Universe Sciences
The objective of the Universe Exploration Program is to increase knowledge and understanding of :
- The origin of the Universe and its evolution,
- The objects which constitute the Universe (cluster of galaxies, galaxies, Sun, stars, planets, asteroids, comets, interstellar clouds, etc.),
- The formation and the propagation of Life.
The program is structured around the following questions:
- Did life appear somewhere else in the Universe? In which conditions, on which types of planets, around which stars?
- Did life appear in the solar system somewhere else other than on Earth? What is the global function of the solar system?
- How did it form, how will it evolve?
- How did the Universe form, how did it evolve in different galaxies or stars ?
- What will be the new physics which we will need to model and describe this very young Universe and its most violent phenomena?
The Universe Science Fields are
- Astrophysics
- Astro/Exobiology
- Fundamental Physics
- Planetology
- Study of the Sun, Heliosphere, Magnetospheres
CERES and CPS
Every year, CNES calls for scientific proposals from space laboratories. The proposals in these fields are examined by CERES (Committee of Evaluation for the Space Research and Exploration). CERES leans on thematic working groups of experts who are in charge of evaluating the research needs in each discipline. It assures the connection with the CPS (Committee of the Scientific Programs) which prepares the scientific decisions taken by the Board of directors of the CNES.
CPS examines the scientific interest of the research programs submitted to the CNES, the scientific and technical capacity of proposing laboratories. It emits notices and propositions on the research programs. It formulates, considering the available means, any useful propositions concerning the development of the space research in France.
Composed of twelve members maximum chosen by supervisory ministries, it gathers personalities of the scientific world. Its President is chosen on proposition of CNES.
