UK astronauts to boldly go

Updated 14.04 Thu Feb 14 2008

Keywords: technology, space, astronaut

British astronauts could be heading into space to take advantage of a "new wave" of exploration.

Science minister Ian Pearson said the international community is "on the cusp of a wave of new space exploration", and the UK must take full advantage of the opportunities.

Science minister Ian Pearson said the international community is "on the cusp of a wave of new space exploration"

The Government is now rethinking its approach after decades of focusing on unmanned missions and developing specialist robotic technology.

Mr Pearson said: "What we want to do is review the situation to make sure the UK does not get left behind."

Under the new Civil Space strategy - which runs until 2012 - an international space facility will be created at Harwell, Oxfordshire to focus on climate change and robotic space exploration.

Meanwhile, the British National Space Centre (BNSC), which co-ordinates the UK's civil space activities, will examine the scientific, technological and economic costs and benefits of manned missions.

A BNSC spokesman said: "In 1986 the UK chose not to participate in human space missions. The publication of the Global Exploration Strategy provides a suitable point to review this decision."

A National Space Technology Programme will be set up to support the development of new, innovative technologies and services for the sector - which according to Mr Pearson contributes about £7 billion to the UK economy.

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

"Applications from space underpin today's major business sectors.

"They provide essential information to understand the Earth's environment, changing climate and weather and they enable great strides to be made in the scientific understanding of our Solar System and beyond, and provide innovative tools for enhancing our quality of life.

"The UK is at the leading edge of these activities. The new UK Civil Space Strategy sets out a path to increase the UK share of this growing international sector."