European Launcher Development Organisation

The European Launcher Development Organisation ( ELDO short ) was founded in 1962 by six European countries and Australia. Your Convention entered into force on 29 February 1964. The purpose of the ELDO was the development of a European launcher, the Europe. Thus, Europe wanted to open up a vendor independent of the U.S. access to space.

The budget of the ELDO was in 1972 around 79.3 million U.S. dollars and was carried to 90 percent from Germany and France. Italy introduced in 1969 its contribution payments.

On May 1, 1973 provided the remaining contributors France, Germany and the UK, their payments. After the launch failure of the Euro- II rocket, most recently on May 5, 1971 the commitment of Member States took more and more, which is why the ELDO 1973 their activities ceased and transferred its responsibilities to the European Space Research Organization ( ESRO ), with the it to the European space Agency European Space Agency ( ESA) merged in 1975.

Founding members

  • Federal Republic of Germany
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as of 1972 only as observers
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
Europa (rocket) Universe Woomera Test Range
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