UK Join The Space Race

The UK could be launching its very own space programme, if plans revealed today go ahead.

The UK Civil Space Strategy: 2008-2012 and Beyond is a follow up document to a report by an expert working group, which proposes overturning a decision made by Margaret Thatcher in 1986 not to launch manned missions into space from the UK.

If the strategy outline goes ahead, an international space facility would be established at Harwell, Oxfordshire to focus on climate change, and robotic space exploration and applications.

The plans also state the UK should continue to be involved in Earth observation, space science and telecoms developments. It would have closer involvement in international initiatives on the future shape of space exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Britain is the only one of the G8 countries not to have a manned space programme and spends only £200 million a year on civil space activities — only a third of the amount spent by France, which has a manned programme.

So far, only Russia, USA and China have managed successful manned space flights. India is planning it’s own first flight by 2014, while the European Union, Japan and Turkey have their first manned space flights scheduled for 2020.

Science and Innovation Minister, Ian Pearson, said: "Space technology is a vital part of our everyday life, and satellite communications and space technology provide strong business opportunities for the future.

"These coming decades promise to be even more exciting than the last. The Government is determined that the UK remains at the forefront of the evolving space scene.

"I look forward to working with all sides of the space community in delivering our exciting vision."

The British National Space Centre, the UK’s own version of NASA, will be central to implementing the plan.

(DW)