Government to review possibility of UK astronauts

The UK could send astronauts into space in the future

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Thursday, 14, Feb 2008 09:57

A review of the possibility of UK astronauts taking part in future space explorations is to be undertaken by the government.

The study comes over 20 years after the UK chose to not participate in human space missions and is one of the proposals outlined today in the UK Civil Space Strategy: 2008 - 2012 and beyond.

The strategy says the UK's short term focus will remain on "unmanned and robotic activity" but says human space exploration needs to be assessed as there could be benefits to "knowledge transfer, commerce and society in general".

"BNSC [British National Space Centre] will undertake a study of programme options drawing on the findings of the 2007 UK Space Exploration Working Group, taking into account the scientific, technological and economic costs and benefits, and UK's existing strengths in robotic exploration," today's report states.

Also included in the strategy is continued involvement in Earth observation; space science and telecoms development; and the establishment of an international space facility in Oxfordshire that will focus on climate change, robotic space exploration and applications.

The UK will also seek closer involvement in international initiatives on the future shape of space exploration to the moon, Mars and beyond.

The government also announced that a National Space Technology Programme is to be set up to support the development of new, innovative technologies and services.

"Space technology is a vital part of our everyday life, and satellite communications and space technology provide strong business opportunities for the future," said science and innovation minister Ian Pearson.

"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."