spacetoday.net: UK issues new space policy

Posted: Tue, Dec 16, 2003, 1:41 PM ET (1841 GMT)
The British government has released a new three-year space strategy for the nation that focuses on developments in space sciences and technologies. The policy, issued Tuesday by Science Minister Lord Sainsbury, has three key objectives: enhancing the UK's role in space and environmental sciences, stimulating productivity increases through the use of space products and technologies, and developing innovative space technologies that improve the quality of life. Sainsbury in particular singled out Beagle 2, the British-built spacecraft that will land on Mars next week, as an example of the type of project the nation should pursue to achieve the goals of its space strategy and enhance its standing among other spacefaring nations. "Beagle 2 is a benchmark project which will provide the UK with scientific and industrial capabilities for the future," Sainsbury said