spacetoday.net: New UK space policy emphasizes scientific, commercial use of space

Posted: Sun, Jan 26, 2003, 6:04 PM ET (2304 GMT)
The British government issued a new space policy last week that called for increased scientific and commercial uses of space and also rejected a more prominent role on the International Space Station or other manned projects. The policy, which covers the next three years but also includes long-range plans through 2015, included three key objectives for the British space industry: enhancing its position in space and earth sciences; promoting the use of space in science, commerce, and government; and developing innovative space systems to improve the quality of life. The policy, however, relies on unmanned space systems, and does not include an increased role in the ISS, including flying British astronauts to the station. The British government said that it would accept comment on the draft strategy for three months, with a public meeting planned for March 11. The announcement came the same week that ESA and the European Commission announced that they would work to draft a space policy for the entire European Union, addressing issues ranging from the development of future launch vehicles to participation in ISS.