UK should put humans in space
22 Oct 2007 by Evoluted New Media
The UK should have involvement in both human and robotic elements of space exploration if it wants to play a full role in the unique opportunities that will define space exploration during this century.
The UK should have involvement in both human and robotic elements of space exploration if it wants to play a full role in the unique opportunities that will define space exploration during this century.
This is one of several recommendations made in a report published by the UK Space Exploration Working Group (SEWG), an advisory committee established by the UK Government’s British National Space Centre.
“We recommend that the UK engages in preparatory human space flight activities,” said Professor Frank Close, from the University of Oxford and Chairman of SEWG. “Simultaneously we should maintain and extend the UK’s significant role in planetary science and robotic exploration. The UK has had a great tradition in exploration over the centuries but it is now time for a new vision.”
The recommendations stress the need to be involved at the start in the challenge of space exploration which it believes provides key opportunities for the UK to shape and participate fully in space science whilst building on its position as a centre of excellence for science, technology and innovation.
The report recommends the UK should establish a detailed plan to enable a decision to be made on whether the UK becomes involved in human space flight in the decade beginning 2010.
Professor Close said: “For the first time in history the world’s space agencies are planning to work together on the human exploration of the Moon, Mars and perhaps asteroids, with accompanying robotic missions to prepare the way. This is not science fiction - it is the real thing. A high-profile, UK - branded presence in human space exploration would engage British society in the full excitement of space exploration and help to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.”
