The future of space science in the 21st century

Space Science helped the start of the open space race after the launch of Sputnik-1 in 1957. Conversely, the use of space vehicles during the cold war allowed the scientists to conduct many observations and make discoveries which have dramatically changed our views of our own Solar System and of the Universe. What will be the future of this activity in the next century, with the disappearance of the cold war justification and in the context of shrinking budgets? Is there a future for space exploration? For what benefit and how will space science programmes be conducted? Who will be the main players? Are there limits to our ability to explore? The pioneers of space research in the post- Sputnik-1 era, like J-L. Steinberg, had both an easier and a more difficult time than space scientists of today. Nevertheless, space science will only survive in the next century if it succeeds in reaching the deep interest and motivation of society at large.