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1.
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The
activities of the Agency shall include mandatory activities, in which all
Member States participate, and optional activities, in which all Member
States participate apart from those that formally declare themselves not
interested in participating therein.
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(a)
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With respect
to the mandatory activities, the Agency shall
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(i)
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ensure the
execution of basic activities, such as education, documentation, studies of
future projects and technological research work;
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(ii)
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ensure the
elaboration and execution of a scientific programme including satellites and
other space systems;
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(iii)
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collect
relevant information and disseminate it to Member States, draw attention to
gaps and duplication, and provide advice and assistance for the harmonisation
of international and national programmes;
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(iv)
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maintain
regular contact with the users of space techniques and keep itself informed
of their requirements.
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(b)
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With respect
to the optional activities, the Agency shall ensure, in accordance with the
provisions of Annex III, the execution of programmes which may, in
particular, include
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(i)
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the design,
development, construction, launching, placing in orbit, and control of
satellites and other space systems;
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(ii)
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the design,
development, construction, and operation of launch facilities and space
transport systems.
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2.
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In the area
of space applications the Agency may, should the occasion arise, carry out
operational activities under conditions to be defined by the Council by a
majority of all Member States. When so doing the Agency shall
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(a)
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place at the
disposal of the operating agencies concerned such of its own facilities as
may be useful to them;
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(b)
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ensure as
required, on behalf of the operating agencies concerned, the launching,
placing in orbit and control of operational application satellites;
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(c)
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carry out
any other activity requested by users and approved by the Council.
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The cost of
such operational activities shall be borne by the users concerned.
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3.
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With respect
to the coordination and integration of programmes referred to in Article II
(c), the Agency shall receive in good time from Member States information on
projects relating to new space programmes, facilitate consultations among the
Member States, undertake any necessary evaluation and formulate appropriate
rules to be adopted by the Council by a unanimous vote of all Member States.
The objectives and procedures of the internationalisation of programmes are
set out in Annex IV.
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