RAS News Release

Date : For immediate Release, 16th June, 2004

RAS Supports UK Involvement in Future Space Exploration

The future of UK and European space exploration was the subject of an in-depth briefing held yesterday at the premises of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) in Burlington House, Piccadilly.

The briefing took place at a meeting of the Parliamentary All-Party Astronomy and Space Environment Group (APASEG), which was called “To consider the United Kingdom's participation in future space exploration, specifically ESA's Aurora Project.”

During the briefing, Dr. Sarah Dunkin, vice-president of the RAS, explained why the Society strongly supports UK involvement in the proposed European Aurora programme of robotic and human exploration.

“The RAS believes that the UK risks being left behind by the other advanced technological nations if it does not enter this programme,” she said.

“The UK has developed considerable expertise in scientific research and space engineering, but much of this may be lost or wasted if the UK does not look towards the future and participate in this major international programme.

“It is essential that the UK continues to play a leading role in European planetary science, engineering and technology.

“Through significant participation in the European Space Agency’s Aurora programme, the UK will not only be able to maintain that leadership but also develop its strengths and capabilities still further.

“Aurora offers an exciting vision of exploration on other worlds that will build upon the unprecedented public interest in Beagle 2. Involvement in this ambitious, long-term programme should help to revive young people’s enthusiasm for scientific research and technological innovation, and inspire the students of today to become the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.

“Aurora will also offer unique opportunities to learn more about our neighbouring worlds, in particular the possibility of life evolving on Mars.

In developing the required technology, many new opportunities will arise in areas such IT and robotics, making a significant contribution to the development of a knowledge-based economy.”

Other speakers at the briefing were:
* Dr. Monica Grady (Natural History Museum, representing PPARC) – Aurora overview.
* Professor John Zarnecki (Open University) - Aurora and science.
* David Parker (Astrium) - Aurora and industry.
* Professor Steve Miller (University College, London) - Aurora and the public.

Aurora and the Future of Space Exploration

Over the past three years, the European Space Agency has been preparing a road map for future robotic and human exploration of other worlds particularly the Moon and Mars - under its optional Aurora programme.

The UK and other European governments agreed to provide “seed corn” funding during this initial stage of the programme, but a decision on whether or not to provide much more substantial financial support for Aurora over the next five years will have to be made within the next year.

This decision will be made against the background of NASA’s new Vision for Space Exploration initiative, which was announced by President George W. Bush on 14 January 2004. ESA and its member states are currently examining ways in which Europe might play a leading role in this long-term vision to return to the Moon and eventually send humans to Mars.

 

 

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