In an interview given to the specialized site Space Watch Global the president of the international space university, ISU, located in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, made no secret of the difficulties encountered by this institution. John Wensveen thus evokes “the most critical moment” experienced by the ISU since its creation in 1987. He describes an unprecedented financial crisis and even launches an “urgent” appeal for help, particularly directed towards alumni students, “alumni” who would hardly be generous. He said he made “more than 100 personal phone calls in five days” to alumni, agency directors and potential donors. The crisis at the ISU is linked to the withdrawal of funding from the French CNES, the National Center for Space Studies, as well as uncertainties over the funding of the European Space Agency (ESA).
This situation creates a shortfall of around 3 million euros, explains John Wensveen.
Give “pessimistic scenarios”
The ISU has already announced its absence from the 41st space symposium in Colorado Springs. John Wensveen mentioned “pessimistic scenarios”, including the possible move of his Strasbourg campus, thus confirming information from the DNA.
However, paradoxically, the ISU has no shortage of projects, including the establishment of a system of mentoring by astronauts, the creation of a diploma focused on research, and the installation of training centers on several continents.
