The UK Science and Innovation Minister believes applications from space are vital to the business world.

The UK is to stay at the forefront of space technology and may launch manned missions in the future, according to a government strategy announced today.

As part of the ‘UK Civil Space Strategy: 2008-2012 and beyond’, an international space facility will be created in Harwell, Oxfordshire.

Under the programme, the UK will continue its involvement in Earth observation, space science and telecoms developments, as well as establishing a National Space Technology Programme “to support the development of new, innovative technologies and services.”

The report reopens the debate on the UK’s involvement in manned space missions, previously called off in 1986 under the Conservative Thatcher Government.

Science and Innovation Minister Ian Pearson 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… 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 UK Civil Space Strategy: 2008-2012 and beyond can be read in full on the British National Space Centre website: http://www.bnsc.gov.uk

By Natasha Piscitelli