Which benefits and limits derive from ESA membership for European Countries owning “medium-sized” space agencies?

This study investigates the benefits and limits deriving from membership with ESA of six medium-sized space agencies in terms of strengthening and development (or not) of space technologies, as well as their contribution to the growth of productive activities and to the increase of services for citizens. This research contributes to the more general issue of the usefulness of space activities, not only for scientific or military-political purposes but also for economic and social development. Results show that, on the one hand, the membership with ESA has allowed smaller Countries to access space programs, to develop advanced technologies and to support the growth of their firms in some significant markets, but, on the other hand, the membership has also limited the access to space to few companies, without encouraging the broad dissemination of technological knowledge. •The benefits and limits deriving from membership with ESA are investigated.•The membership with ESA allowed smaller countries to access space programs.•Such membership allowed the growth of their firms in some important markets.•The membership with ESA has limited the access to space to few companies.•The membership with ESA did not allow the dissemination of knowledge.