ESA - Aurora Programme - More about Aurora: "Aurora's origins

Aurora is part of Europe's strategy for space, endorsed by the European Union Council of Research and the ESA Council in 2001. This strategy calls for Europe to:
explore the solar system and the Universe
stimulate new technology
inspire the young people of Europe to take a greater interest in science and technology
As a result of this challenge, in 2001 ESA set up the Aurora Programme - a cooperative programme between the ESA Directorates of Science, Human Space Flight, and Technical and Operational Support. "