EU, Russia agree cooperation pact on space policy

BRUSSELS, Mar 10 (Reuters) Russia and the European Union today signed a space cooperation agreement to work closer together on issues ranging from exploration and satellite navigation to the use of the International Space Station.

''An enhanced cooperation with Russia in the space sector will have a very positive impact on the development of the European Space Programme,'' EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said in a statement.

The executive European Commission said the agreement also covered access to space through launchers and space transport systems, development on space technology, and earth observation.

REUTERS KD KN2330