On Monday, 13th Dezember, the UK Space Agency declared that the UK’s first National Space Policy has placed the UK on the international stage for its future space programs. This announcement came just as Major Tim Peake (the first British astronaut) is due to be sent by the ESA to the International Space Station. According to the UK Space Agency, Britain is striving to be the European center for commercial spaceflight technology and other space sector technologies. The new British Space Agency policy outlines the Government’s ambition to grab a larger share of the rapidly growing space market. This One Nation policy (not split by inequalities), which will be implemented across the nation with this vibrant sector, will help Britain to seize opportunities to create new businesses and top-quality jobs as well as improve our understanding of space. According to the UK Space Agency, the National Space Policy will position the country on the international stage. (Image: twitter.com/spacegovuk) Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, said: “For decades mankind has dreamt of space travel and the final frontier, and from today the UK will trigger the next scientific and innovation revolution to turn science fiction in to science fact. Not only are we celebrating the launch of the first UK Government-backed astronaut, but our first ever space policy will build on the inspiration he provides to grow our burgeoning space industry and bring space back down to Earth.” “Historically we haven’t been a major player in space programmes, this policy will change that because, in the words of my hero Mr Spock, to do anything else would be highly illogical.” Commercial space sector is big business The UK’s commercial space sector is worth PS11.8 billion ($17. 92 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The agency supports many vital services such as transport and defense, as well disaster relief. Today, the UK Space Agency highlighted Britain’s determination to expand its commercial space industry. It aims to capture one-tenth of the global market, which will create 100,000 jobs and generate PS40 billion ($60 billion) for the country’s economy by 2030. Today, the UK Space Agency posted on their official website: “The National Space Policy supports Government’s New Investments in Areas such as Human Spaceflight and Microgravity Research as Space becomes an increasing essential part of our everyday lives and a huge Success Story for the UK.” Spaceports in the UK will allow private citizens to launch. The UK Space Agency hopes to have Britain’s first commercial spaceport. Image: UK Space Agency. Four principles. The UK Government has committed to the following four principles through its National Space Policy. – Strategic Importance. Because of the benefits that it programmes bring back to science, innovation, the economy and national security, space is of significant strategic importance. The Government will promote and preserve the unique space environment’s safety and security, free of interference. The Government provides support to a strong and competitive commercial space industry, supported by the latest academic research. – International Cooperation. The Government promises to work with international bodies and countries to establish legal frameworks that allow responsible space use. To maximize the benefits of UK space investments, it will work with other countries. British astronaut Major Tim Peake will launch with Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and NASA astronaut Tim Kopra to the International Space Station. The small Soyuz TMA M spacecraft operated by Roscosmos, 2015., is built for the purpose. (Image: facebook.com/ESATimPeake) Seventeen Government bodies involved in space The National Space Policy (NSP) clearly explains the roles and responsibilities of the seventeen different public organisations involved with space, showcasing how policy areas across the UK are driven by satellite data and services. NSP supports UK Government commitments to manufacturing and services, as well as international cooperation to achieve outstanding science and technological development. The UK Space Agency also has pledged more participation in the International Space Station. The decision was made at the 2014 European Space Agency Council Of Minister. It saw Britain make a strategic investment in the International Space Station as well as in scientific projects to help British scientists use this platform for space research. UK spaceports by 2018 The British Government announced earlier this year that it plans to have a UK spaceport operational by 2018, with commercial flights lifting off and landing at prices starting at L58,000 ($88,102) per passenger. Super-advanced Spacecraft flights will take only two hours from the UK to Australia. According to the UK Space Agency, there is strong Government support for Britain’s opening of Europe’s first commercial spaceport. Last year, the Civil Aviation Authority created a list of possible locations for spaceports. Six sites are now on the updated list: – Scotland, Campbeltown, Glasgow Prestwick, and Stornoway. There is also a possibility of a temporary site called RAF Leuchars. – England: Newquay. – Wales: Llanbedr. To protect urban residents and the general public from potential rocket disasters, all the places on the list are near the coast. The spaceport is being built near the coast to safeguard urban areas as well as the public against potential rocket accidents. Robert Goodwill, Aviation Minister said about British commercial spaceflight, “I want Britain be the leader in commercial spaceflight.” Robert Goodwill, Aviation Minister said about British commercial spaceflight: “I want Britain to lead the way in this exciting new technology.” The Government also launched the 2030. Space Innovation and Growth Strategy. Video: Tim Peake discusses becoming an astronaut
UK’s National Space Policy puts UK on the Global Stage at Last
