b)Earth observation research and applications, in particular environmental monitoring, meteorology, aeronomy and geodesy;
c)Telecommunications, in particular service demonstrations and satellite navigation;
d)Microgravity research, in particular space biology and medicine, and materials processing;
e)Ground segment engineering and utilisation.
I.3.2The categories of activities covered by the PECS are the following:
a)Technology and equipment relating to ESA optional programmes which are not on the critical path for execution of the Agency’s programmes ("non-critical path technology");
b)Scientific projects and/or experiments;
c)Data exploitation;
d)Support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
I.3.3The detailed activities to be covered by the PECS shall be defined in a rolling five-year plan to be renewed, at the end of the fourth year of each five-year period in the light of the negotiations concerning renewal of the Agreement between the Agency and the Slovak Republic, for a new five-year period starting at the end of the fifth year. The five-year draft plan shall be approved within the framework of the Committee and in accordance with the procedures referred to in paragraph II.1.2 below.
II.Rules and procedures
II.1Implementation of the PECS
II.1.1The Agency shall execute the PECS in conformity with its rules and procedures, unless otherwise provided for in the present objectives, rules and procedures.
II.1.2A dedicated Committee, hereinafter referred to as "the PECS Committee", shall be set up to monitor and control implementation of the PECS. The Committee’s terms of reference and rules of procedure are described in Appendix II below.
II.1.3National institutions under the jurisdiction of the Slovak Republic may, at the Agency’s request and with the agreement of the Slovak Republic,