THE FRENCH PROGRAM IN EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE

The French policy in the field of space based earth observations responds to three objectives : participation in the scientific effort for the study of climate evolution and of the global environment, participation in the european component of the polar system of meteorological satellites, continuation of the SPOT system operating on a basis of service continuity for the management and inventory of earth resources or the study of the environment on a regional basis. These activities are carried out on a national basis, or in the framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperations. Examples of such space endeavours will be given, concentrating on the major ones. This overview will be complemented by an account of future programmes.