British Space Policy

February 2003 - Bo Maxwell

On January 22nd 2003, the British government released a draft of a strategy for the UK's continued involvement in space. While there is much to be welcomed in the document - specifically continued support for long-range exploratory missions such as the broung-breaking Beagle 2 and support for ESA's Rosetta mission, it still leaves much to be desired. Yet again, our government refuses to commit to human space exploration. While a lack of participation in the International Space Station is understandable given the less-than-credible funding status of that programme, to consistently refuse to participate in the European Astronaut Corps is something that beggars belief.

No single commitment could do more to inspire the general public with regards to space efforts. In joining the EAC, our government could in stroke inspire the young of today to look to the heavens in wonder and commit themselves to the study of the sciences in the knowledge that one day they could become astronauts - and who among us has not, at some point, had that dream?

This is not idle speculation. Through our outreach programme, we in the Mars Society UK have come to realise that people young and old are still engaged and awed by the magic and potential of space travel and the possibly - through initiatives such as Mars Direct - for human beings to truly set foot on another world. And nor are the benefits of a commitment to put one or more British citizens into the space programme merely romantic. There are major and credible scientific gains to be had from such a commitment - as our European cousins realised a long time ago.

This country once lead civilisation in the exploration of the world. While the commercial returns from space may not be as obvious or as quick to come by, do we really want to remain observers as the last great frontier is opened up? Must we really continue to drive those with the skills, determination and vision to become astronauts, engineers and scientists from this country, as we have been doing over the last 25 years?

In the Mars Society UK at least, we will not lose sight of this potential. We will continue to promote the human exploration of space, and the exploration of Mars. We will continue to demonsatrate to this government and its successors that Britain can play a significant role in opening the high frontier - and that our children and our economy can only stand to benefit in the long term.