A robotic Mars probe, a replacement for the lost Cryosat ice mission and a satellite network to monitor the Earth are all vying for funding.

The talks are regarded as pivotal to the future of Europe's space industry amid shrinking commercial markets.

At this year's annual ministerial meeting, the European Space Agency (Esa) is asking its 18 member states (17 European countries and Canada) to contribute 8.8bn euros (£5.9bn) for mandatory and optional space programmes.

This is made up of 3.1bn euros (£2.1bn) to fund the mandatory science programme until 2010, and a further 5.7bn euros (£3.8bn) to carry on with optional programmes and start new ventures.

New space proposals being discussed include:

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