Menu
01/04/2011
UK Space Agency Fully Established And Going For Growth
The UK Space Agency becomes an executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today.
This will see the Agency taking over responsibility for the majority of the UK’s commitment to space exploration and science. Efforts will be targeted at areas that have the greatest potential for delivering economic benefits, scientific excellence and national security.
Priority areas include developing scientific advancements in space technologies, gaining a better understanding of our planet through Earth observation spacecraft, and nurturing our next generation of space scientists and researchers.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “The UK space industry is worth an estimated £7.5 billion and is an important driver for economic growth. This is why we’ve earmarked £10 million in the Budget to start a national space technology programme and committed to reducing the regulatory burden on industry.
“The establishment of the UK Space Agency will provide a focal point for this work and bring together our very best talent. This will help us concentrate efforts on advancements in space science and satellite technology, and ultimately give us a better understanding of our own planet.”
As part of the Budget and Growth Review, Government has:
The principal driver of the UK Space Agency is economic growth through both export and innovation, and through supporting science as an enabler for growth. These themes are being highlighted as part of the organisation’s strategy for 2011-2015, which is published for consultation today.
(BMcN/KMcA)
This will see the Agency taking over responsibility for the majority of the UK’s commitment to space exploration and science. Efforts will be targeted at areas that have the greatest potential for delivering economic benefits, scientific excellence and national security.
Priority areas include developing scientific advancements in space technologies, gaining a better understanding of our planet through Earth observation spacecraft, and nurturing our next generation of space scientists and researchers.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “The UK space industry is worth an estimated £7.5 billion and is an important driver for economic growth. This is why we’ve earmarked £10 million in the Budget to start a national space technology programme and committed to reducing the regulatory burden on industry.
“The establishment of the UK Space Agency will provide a focal point for this work and bring together our very best talent. This will help us concentrate efforts on advancements in space science and satellite technology, and ultimately give us a better understanding of our own planet.”
As part of the Budget and Growth Review, Government has:
- Earmarked £10m to start a national space technology programme with industry aimed at promoting economic growth and self sustainability, which will be channelled through the UK Space Agency
- Committed to reforming the Outer Space Act – this will introduce an upper limit on the third party liability of UK satellite operators, making the industry more internationally competitive
- Committed to working with the international regulatory authorities to enable space tourism operations in the UK and define regulations for novel space vehicles that offer low cost access to space
The principal driver of the UK Space Agency is economic growth through both export and innovation, and through supporting science as an enabler for growth. These themes are being highlighted as part of the organisation’s strategy for 2011-2015, which is published for consultation today.
(BMcN/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 July 2009
European Space Agency Touches Down In UK
In a remarkable first for the UK, the European Space Agency (ESA) will touch down in Britain this week, heralding the start of a new space age and thrusting the sector forward for the next 40 years and beyond.
European Space Agency Touches Down In UK
In a remarkable first for the UK, the European Space Agency (ESA) will touch down in Britain this week, heralding the start of a new space age and thrusting the sector forward for the next 40 years and beyond.
29 November 2012
'Rocket Plane' To Speed-Up Air Travel
Reaction Engines has announced what it deems "the biggest breakthrough in aerospace propulsion technology since the invention of the jet engine".
'Rocket Plane' To Speed-Up Air Travel
Reaction Engines has announced what it deems "the biggest breakthrough in aerospace propulsion technology since the invention of the jet engine".
20 May 2009
Europe Space Agency Selects British Astronaut
Timothy Peake, a 37-year-old test pilot in the Army Air Corps, has become the first Briton to be selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to take part in manned space flight. Major Peak, from Chichester, becomes the first British astronaut since Helen Sharman in 1991.
Europe Space Agency Selects British Astronaut
Timothy Peake, a 37-year-old test pilot in the Army Air Corps, has become the first Briton to be selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to take part in manned space flight. Major Peak, from Chichester, becomes the first British astronaut since Helen Sharman in 1991.
18 October 2011
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico. More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico. More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
05 December 2006
NASA unveils manned lunar base plan
NASA has unveiled plans for a base on the moon to be established as lunar flights resume by 2020. In April 2006, NASA initiated development of the Global Exploration Strategy in order to meet a congressional mandate, as well as accomplish goals outlined in the agency's strategic plan and the Vision for Space Exploration.
NASA unveils manned lunar base plan
NASA has unveiled plans for a base on the moon to be established as lunar flights resume by 2020. In April 2006, NASA initiated development of the Global Exploration Strategy in order to meet a congressional mandate, as well as accomplish goals outlined in the agency's strategic plan and the Vision for Space Exploration.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
