ESA is one of the world’s leading space exploration organizations and one of the few that is international in scope, representing 22 member states. Contrary to a common misconception, ESA is not part of the European Union and not bound by European law. In fact, ESA is not bound by any real-world law, either local or national—it’s governed only by its 130-page Convention and a set of internal regulations.
This international status grants the ESA and its staff privileges that are far superior to those afforded to its bigger sister and role model, NASA, notably the ability to maintain any internal documents as confidential.
ESA were basically granted immunity, almost like a UN agency, and of course they are abusing it.
They also pay lower taxes than everyone else and so on. The best thing about ESA is that it sucks and doesn't actually accomplish much, so hopefully they stop this scam.
Again my complaint is not the end result isn't "impressive" in isolation it's that it's not impressive for the amount of time and money dumped into it compared to any other space program on earth. I said "for the money we pump into it".
Based on the data shared you're right and my assertions are wrong or at least overblown. To be honest I was thinking mostly compared to the Indian space program and their recent successes and I see that the data confirms that they have pumped less money and have (imo) done way more. But overall I'm wrong in the way I was positioning this, thanks for sharing, I did some more research on account of your comments.
No problem. After all, those programs are as much about maintaining knowledge, industry and capabilities in country as they are about specific missions.
