UK Space Activities

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Space Agency needed as ’one stop shop’ to boost UK space science

The Royal Society press release is reproduced below:


23 Apr 2007

A UK Space Agency' should be established to replace the existing British National Space Centre which lacks the necessary authority, coordination and funding to represent UK space science on international level the Royal Society has said today (Monday 23 April 2007).

In response to a consultation on the future of the UK's space policy, the Society proposes that a National Space Agency is needed to assume the role of chief funding co-ordinator and policy maker to focus the efforts of the UK space science community.

Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said: "A UK Space Agency would have the authority to implement a national space strategy and raise the profile of scientists and industries working in the space sector. It would essentially provide a one stop shop' for UK space science activities."

In addition to providing a hub for activities within the UK, a national space agency would play an important role internationally, to promote the UK's expertise and 'broker' deals with other national bodies and initiatives, a current example being the European Space Agency's (ESA) programme on robotic space missions.

The UK only plays a minor role within the ESA's space initiatives and last year contributed just seven per cent of ESA's total budget compared with 25 per cent from France and 20 per cent from Germany. An effective UK Space Agency would need a significantly increased budget.

Martin Rees continued: "A national space agency would promote the UK's strengths and foster international collaboration. The UK is recognised as a world leader in the development of low-cost satellite technology. However no European country can afford to go it alone. Collaboration is a cost effective means for the UK which currently constitutes a small but specialist component of the global space community to be involved in high-profile projects.

"The global space Industry is worth 115 billion dollars a year. The UK, both independently and through the European Space Agency, should be competing for contracts with the likes of NASA and the emerging space powers such as Brazil, China, India and Russia. The UK has a great deal of expertise but it is losing out as other national space agencies work harder for their industries and scientists."

To achieve a more prominent role in international space research, a UK Space Agency would also need significant backing from the highest levels of Government. US space policy, by comparison, is set at the highest levels of the US Government by the Office of the President.

Currently, eight Government departments, including Defra, the DTI and the MoD have an interest in space science. However no department holds overall responsibility for UK space policy. The British National Space Centre (BNSC) coordinates a number of initiatives on behalf of the Government, but does not have the power to implement national space policy nor a formal budget.

"The BNSC has limited resources in relation to the scale of its task. The UK needs to raise its game in order to maintain and enhance its international profile. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, the largest single funder of the current space centre, has now been merged into the new Science and Technology Facilities Council. This offers a welcome opportunity for a fresh look at how we organise the UK's space policy. An organisation is needed that will equal other national space agencies in authority and prestige."

The BNSC will use the consultation responses as it drafts a new UK space strategy. This strategy will then be approved by the Minister for Science and Innovation, Malcolm Wicks. It is due for publication in October.

Source: Royal Society Press Release

[Waspie_Dwarf]

UK To Withdraw From Gemini Observatory

The Science and Technology Facilities Council press release is reproduced below:


Gemini Observatory

At the Gemini Board meeting yesterday in Chile the STFC informed the Board that the STFC, in shaping its programme for the next 3 years and beyond, is planning to withdraw from the Gemini Observatory. In the current financial climate this is one of a range of measures that has become necessary in order to invest in what it considers its highest priority programmes, including other areas of ground-based astronomy.

With regard to withdrawal we have informed our partners of our intent but we have not given formal notice. Our aim will be to achieve withdrawal in a way which minimises damage to our longstanding partnership and the impact on the Observatory, its programme and the UK research community, while enabling us to reinvest the planned savings in a timely way. There are also issues relating to forthcoming operations funding and the Aspen programme which we will work through with our partners.

Council will approve its overall investment strategy at its meeting on 21 November

Page last updated: 15 November 2007 by Andy Mckinna

Source: STFC Press Release Edited November 16, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

[Waspie_Dwarf]

The Royal Astronomical Society press release is reproduced below:

Shock at decision to pull UK out of Gemini Observatory

Contributed by Robert Massey

Thursday, 15 November 2007

The Council of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), the UK’s society for professional astronomers and geophysicists, have expressed their shock at the sudden decision of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to withdraw the UK from the Gemini Observatory.

Gemini consists of two 8-m optical telescopes, one in Hawaii (Gemini North) and one in Chile (Gemini South), which together can be used to observe the entire sky. The two telescopes saw ‘first light’ in 1999 and 2000 respectively and the UK has been a key partner in the Observatory since its inception. The decision to withdraw from the project appears to have been made without any consultation with the astronomical community.

The RAS Council issued the following statement:

‘The Royal Astronomical Society is shocked by the STFC's announcement of withdrawal from the Gemini Observatory. Although we are aware of the shortfall in STFC's funding over the 3 years 2008-11 covered by the recent Comprehensive Spending Review, this sudden announcement without consultation of the community is regrettable.

Although it can be argued that UK astronomers have access to excellent 8-m optical telescopes in the south through its membership of the European Southern Observatory, the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii is crucial for UK astronomers to remain in the front rank of international astronomy. One example is that the UK is active in a variety of space missions at far infrared, submillimetre and X-ray wavelengths. These space observatories find exciting new objects over the whole sky that need to be followed up at optical wavelengths.

The UK invested about 35 million pounds in the capital phase of the Gemini Observatories, in which we have a 23% stake. This is being written off to make a saving of the running costs of about 4 million pounds a year. The damage to UK astronomy this will cause is severe and we urge that at the very least the Gemini agreement be renegotiated to retain access to Gemini North.’

RAS President Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson further commented ‘This decision is a serious mistake and a shock to all of us. If it goes ahead it will deny UK scientists access to large telescopes in the northern hemisphere and hinder their ability to study almost half the sky. I call on the STFC to rethink this proposal.’

CONTACTS:

Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson

President, Royal Astronomical Society

Burlington House

Piccadilly

London W1J 0BQ

Mobile: +44 (0)781 793 9950

Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 7530

E-mail: m.rrobinson@imperial.ac.uk

Professor Roger Davies (RAS Council)

Chairman of Physics & Wetton Professor of Astrophysics

Department of Physics

University of Oxford

Clarendon Laboratory

Parks Rd

Oxford OX1 3PU

United Kingdom

Mobile: +44 (0)7808 727080

Tel: +44 (0)1865 282190

E-mail: rld@astro.ox.ac.uk

NOTES:

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 November 2007 )

Source: RAS Press Release

[Waspie_Dwarf]

The Gemini Observatory press release is reproduced below:

Important Announcement from the Gemini Board – November 16, 2007

Friday, 16 November 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 16 NOVEMBER 2007

STATEMENT OF THE GEMINI OBSERVATORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of the Gemini Observatory has concluded its meeting of November 14-16, 2007 in La Serena, Chile. In addition to its normal business, it considered the implications of the communication by the Science and Technology Facilities Council of the United Kingdom that it may withdraw as a (23.8%) partner in the Gemini Observatory.

The Board deeply regrets the announcement that the UK will likely withdraw as a partner in the Gemini Observatory. The UK astronomical community has made substantial and very valuable contributions to the success of the Gemini partnership from its earliest days. The Board reaffirms its vision for the Observatory and resolves to address any resource problems brought on by the announced UK intentions expeditiously and with minimum impact on the current operation of the Observatory. The Board is confident that the Gemini Observatory will continue to operate efficiently and productively.

The Board approved contracts for conceptual design studies for the cornerstone Wide Field Multi-Object Spectrograph instrument and continues its support for the Gemini Planet Imager currently under construction, both of which are major elements of the “Aspen” instrumentation plan, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the Aspen science vision.

Source: Gemini Observatory press release

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Special Session of the Gemini Board Resolves UK Partnership Issue

Friday, 25 January 2008

The Gemini Board determined during a special session on January 24, 2008 that a recently submitted proposal from the UK’s Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for reduced on-going participation in the Gemini partnership is not in the best interest of the observatory. As a result, the board concluded that the UK has withdrawn from the Gemini partnership. The effects of this action are immediate and are articulated in the Board resolutions which can be found here.

The observatory, together with the Gemini Board, reiterates their confidence that their vision for Gemini, as a world-class astronomical research facility, will be fulfilled despite the loss of a long-time partner. The partnership, through the Board and in close consultation with the Observatory and our Gemini communities, will be looking to the future in the coming months and taking a measured and deliberate approach to the reformulation of the partnership.

Funding for astronomical research in the UK is through the Science & Technology Facilities Council and an announcement of the UK withdrawal can be found at: _http://www.scitech.ac.uk/PMC/PRel/STFC/Gemini-Update.aspx

Source: Gemini Observatory press release

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Update on the UK status in Gemini -- updated February 11, 2008

Monday, 11 February 2008

The Executive Agency and the STFC agreed this morning on the terms for discussion of possible continued UK involvement in Gemini. Dates are being set for this discussion. Accordingly the Gemini Observatory has been asked to reinstate the 2008A UK observing time allocation according to the Board's resolution. The agreement between the Executive Agency and the STFC removes the conditional nature of the reinstatement in the Board resolution:

Resolution 2008.Feb.09 The Board has received new correspondence from the STFC regarding the UK involvement in Gemini. The UK has committed to continue their Operations payments during 2008, and wishes to open negotiations with the Executive Agency and the Board to explore their options for continued participation in the Gemini Observatory.

Therefore, the Board resolves to conditionally reinstate 2008A UK observing time allocations on both Gemini-North and Gemini-South.

The Board asks that the Chair and Designated Members, including the UK, meet face-to-face at the earliest opportunity to further discussion of possible continued UK involvement in Gemini.

Source: Gemini Observatory press release

[Still Waters]

Britain is to set up a dedicated agency to direct its space policy.

The new organisation is expected to have a budget and will represent the UK in all its dealings with international partners.

The announcement, made by the Science Minister Lord Drayson, follows a 12-week consultation held with academia, industry and government departments.

Britain spends about £270m a year on space, most of it via its membership of the European Space Agency (Esa).

But it also has a highly successful industry which currently contributes some £6.5bn a year to the UK economy.

Read more...

[Sir Wearer of Hats]

PLEASE let it be called the British Rocket Group....

[little_dreamer]

I dunno, sounds expensive to me.

[thefinalfrontier]

Whoaaa, Thats some awsome news SW, Thanks for the link,

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Britain is to set up a dedicated agency to direct its space policy.

The new organisation is expected to have a budget and will represent the UK in all its dealings with international partners.

The announcement, made by the Science Minister Lord Drayson, follows a 12-week consultation held with academia, industry and government departments.

Britain spends about £270m a year on space, most of it via its membership of the European Space Agency (Esa).

But it also has a highly successful industry which currently contributes some £6.5bn a year to the UK economy.

Read more...

[Admiral Danger]

if they do, i know what i wanna be when i grow up (if i ever do)

[MID]

I think I like that...

Sounds like a positive step for Britain.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Sounds like a positive step for Britain.

About time too.

As the nation that uniquely launched an indigenous satellite after announcing the programme was to be cancelled, who withdrew from the Ariane programme after it became the world's most successful commercial launcher and who refused to join ESA's manned spaceflight programme it's nice to see my Government finally doing something right in the field of space exploration, but then we didn't have a succession of governments that were timid when it came to looking to the future in those days.

I'll enjoy it while I can, I doubt if it will last.

It's hard to believe that Britain was once the home of some of the greatest technological innovators, inventors and explorers this planet has ever seen.

[DONTEATUS]

You spot on Waspie! Its Time now for World united Exploration`s of our Universe! We all can contribuite to our Grand Ideas!

[ROGER]

I don't really see this going any where soon. Money is to tight right now.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Merged topics.

Sorry Still Waters, I didn't realise you had already posted this news.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

I dunno, sounds expensive to me.

I don't really see this going any where soon. Money is to tight right now.

It needn't be expensive. The UK already has space programmes. We also have the British National Space Centre (BNSC) whose objectives are:

• Co-ordinate UK civil space activity;
  
• Support academic research;
  
• Nurture the UK space industry;
  
• Work to increase understanding of space and its practical benefit
  

This new announcement means that the UK, like virtually every other space-faring on Earth will have a single agency to run it's civilian space programmes. This may even reduce duplication, bring more efficiency and save the UK money.

[ROGER]

Didn't the British Government recently set a side some money for Researching a New design Space craft of their own. Memories a little foggy but I thought they were looking for a Reusable Craft for Crew transfer only.

[Admiral Danger]

next stop... Mars

[Waspie_Dwarf]

next stop... Mars

The UK was the first nation to have an astronaut working on Mars.

Well Helen Sharman did work for Mars confectionery before being selected to fly on Soyuz TM-12.

[Admiral Danger]

The UK was the first nation to have an astronaut working on Mars.

Well Helen Sharman did work for Mars confectionery before being selected to fly on Soyuz TM-12.

any astronauts working for milky way or galaxy?

[MID]

About time too.

As the nation that uniquely launched an indigenous satellite after announcing the programme was to be cancelled, who withdrew from the Ariane programme after it became the world's most successful commercial launcher and who refused to join ESA's manned spaceflight programme it's nice to see my Government finally doing something right in the field of space exploration, but then we didn't have a succession of governments that were timid when it came to looking to the future in those days.

I'll enjoy it while I can, I doubt if it will last.

It's hard to believe that Britain was once the home of some of the greatest technological innovators, inventors and explorers this planet has ever seen.

Waspie...I fully understand your position on the matter.

We've discussed something similar before.

I hope, for the sake of all concerned that this is the portent of a true British presence in space...with astronauts flying with the British flag along side the Russians, the Japanese, the Europeans, and of course us Yanks...

[DONTEATUS]

Im all for it Too Mid!,We need for there to be at Least Fish & Chips by the Time I get my Ride into Space.

[Finity]

About time too.

As the nation that uniquely launched an indigenous satellite after announcing the programme was to be cancelled, who withdrew from the Ariane programme after it became the world's most successful commercial launcher and who refused to join ESA's manned spaceflight programme it's nice to see my Government finally doing something right in the field of space exploration, but then we didn't have a succession of governments that were timid when it came to looking to the future in those days.

I'll enjoy it while I can, I doubt if it will last.

It's hard to believe that Britain was once the home of some of the greatest technological innovators, inventors and explorers this planet has ever seen.

To right! It's about time we stepped things up again