Author Topic: British Space Agency / UKSA updates thread  (Read 238366 times)

Offline A_M_Swallow

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #500 on: 04/09/2013 03:18 am »
The woman who pretty much killed the UK's space program has died.

Not many will miss her for reasons more than the above.

That was Edward Heath.  She did not reactivate it.

Offline Prospero

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #501 on: 04/09/2013 10:28 am »
I think the rot against the British space program started a lot sooner than just Maggie's era to be honest. She certainly didn't help, but the UK has suffered from a lack of sufficient political support & vision where space is concerned since the 60's :( At the time there were indeed real financial issues that needed to be addressed and therefore what looked like good reasons to do what they did, but it doesn't change the fact that with a bit more thought, will and the ability to see where things were headed the UK could have been a lot more involved and a lot more advanced where space is concerned. We got out of it all just when the money started to come back in and inevitably it was ESA that benefited Still, no use complaining about the past - better to focus instead on where we could go in the future with the UKSA :)
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Offline Jason Sole

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #502 on: 04/12/2013 04:51 pm »
Good to see the British back on board with Orion money.

Offline bolun

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #503 on: 05/15/2013 12:47 pm »
N° 14–2013: ESA opens its doors in UK

14 May 2013

 David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science, and Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, today unveiled the Agency’s first UK facility: ECSAT, the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications, located at the Harwell Oxford campus.
 
ECSAT supports activities related to telecommunications, climate change, technology, science and ‘integrated applications’ – the combined use of different space and terrestrial technologies, data and infrastructures to create new everyday applications. The development of innovative public–private partnerships will be emphasised.
 
David Willetts noted: “The UK space industry is increasingly important to growth, contributing over £9 billion to the economy every year and supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs. ESA’s decision to locate its high-tech facility in this country shows that we are creating the right environment for innovation and cutting-edge research.
 
“The centre will benefit from working closely with other space scientists and businesses at Harwell, including the Satellite Applications Catapult being officially launched today.”
 
Despite the current economic climate, the UK space industry has been identified as a growth sector. With 70% of its output being exported it is a major player on the global stage. ECSAT is designed to play a key role in the UK space domain.
 
ESA’s presence in the UK is a clear sign that the Agency is supporting the increased importance given to space by the UK government.
 
Mr Dordain welcomed the UK’s increased interest for investing in space in particular through ESA: “Investing in space is investing in competitiveness and growth, through knowledge, innovation and services. The Harwell Oxford campus is already a unique place of competences and the building up of ESA’s presence in this campus will reinforce both ESA and the campus.”
 
ECSAT will complement ESA’s current world-class capabilities located at ESTEC, the European Space Research and Technology Centre (the Netherlands), ESOC, the European Space Operations Centre (Germany), ESRIN, the European Space Research Institute (Italy), ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre (Spain), EAC, the European Astronaut Centre (Germany) and the Redu Centre (Belgium), which, together with Headquarters (France), constitute the main infrastructure of ESA.

 http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Press_Releases/ESA_opens_its_doors_in_UK

Offline bolun

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #504 on: 07/17/2013 08:39 pm »
UK Space Conference showcases buoyant UK space sector

http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency/news-and-events/2013/Jul/uk-space-conference-showcases-buoyant-uk-space-sector

British astronaut inspires next generation of scientists

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23339980

Offline Michael Z Freeman

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #505 on: 12/12/2013 02:33 pm »
I think this is the correct thread to present this. I think there is an urgent need now to place NASA and ESA media and educational programming on Freeview here in the UK. There is already a government initiative to encourage the emergence of local TV stations that are broadcast on Freeview. There is evidence that, even though ...

1. The UK provides British astronauts to the ISS (even if its indirectly)

2. Has a large space industry of its own.

3. Is a member and contributing partner to ESA and ESA missions.

... that the message simple is not getting through ...

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"Of those surveyed, 33% were interested in space to 'discover a new planet', and 24% to find life on another planet. When asked to list space exploration organisations 77% listed NASA. Six of those surveyed listed ESA (<0.5%). The data bring starkly to light, despite the Huygens landing on Titan and Mars Express, the lack of awareness of the existence of ESA among a new generation of European school children."

A pilot survey of attitudes to space sciences and exploration among British school children

There is further evidence which I'm looking into ...

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1       Preaching to the converted? An analysis of the UK public for space exploration 
Entradas, M., Miller, S., Peters, H.P.   2013   Public Understanding of Science 22 (3) , pp. 269-286    0
Full Text(opens in a new window) | Show abstract: Subscription required Show abstract  | Related documents

2    Scientific literacy and attitudes towards American space exploration among college undergraduates 
Cook, S.B., Druger, M., Ploutz-Snyder, L.L.   2011   Space Policy 27 (1) , pp. 48-52    2
Full Text(opens in a new window) | Show abstract: Subscription required Show abstract  | Related documents

3    Investigating public space exploration support in the UK 
Entradas, M., Miller, S.   2010   Acta Astronautica 67 (7-8) , pp. 947-953    1
Full Text(opens in a new window) | Show abstract: Subscription required Show abstract  | Related documents

4    Investigating public space exploration interest and support in the UK 
Entradas, M., Miller, S.   2009   60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009 12 , pp. 9529-9537

The UK Space Agency has an educational strategy that, I think, needs to include getting programming on Freeview from NASA and ESA. NASA TV provides a lot of coverage but its not specific to the UK. ESA is currently broadcasting via Liveview but what I've seen is limited.

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"Recommendation 12 proposed that the space industry and the UK Space Agency “should show exemplary and proactive support in championing initiatives aimed at addressing the STEM issues in our schools, colleges, universities and businesses.” The Government accepted this recommendation and the UK Space Agency is now working with industry partners to implement the actions supporting it."
p2

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"Several reviews and much anecdotal evidence demonstrate that few subjects have as much impact as space to inspire interest in the young. For example, a 2009 survey3 that 9% of children now want to become an astronaut"
p2

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"ensure that support and materials on careers in the space industry are easily accessible, including role models (mainly for younger pupils),"
p4

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"Encourage and support the use of space as an inspiring context for learning across all age groups,"
p4

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"Develop and implement wider outreach programmes to improve awareness and engagement with the UK’s space programme"
p4

(my emphasis) UK Space Agency Education, Skills and Outreach Strategy, Using space to inspire learning. Helping to build a skilled workforce.

The initiative to encourage local Freeview stations appears to be in line, in spirit, with a possible channel that contains a mixture of NASA ISS, ESA and other space agencies (seeing as we are working with them) programming. The channel could show docking at the ISS, space walks, other missions like the rovers and solar system satellites as well as interviews with UK space industry personnel and business leaders. Other programming could include educational programs for schools. I'm going to contact the UK Space Agency about this as well as my MP but would like to hear ideas and viewpoints about this. Funding for the channel ("UK Space" ?) might come from UK Space Agency directly, the government, or even as part of BBC expenditure.

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Space exploration is inherently exciting, and as such is an obvious vehicle for inspiring the public in general, and young people in particular, to take an increased interest in science and engineering. This was explicitly recognized in the conclusions of the UK Microgravity Review Panel:

"We have also found considerable public interest in activities in space, particularly those that have human involvement.. This is important in addressing the need for future students to study science and technology subjects and in engaging the public in scientific issues..."
A similar point was made by the RAS Report, which concluded that:

We find compelling evidence that the outreach potential of human space exploration may significantly influence the interests and educational choices of children towards science, engineering and technology.

Case for Space
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Offline Celebrimbor

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #506 on: 07/14/2014 10:02 am »
A thread on a UK spaceport has popped up in response to an UKSA Spaceport making the headlines:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=35163.new#new

Offline bolun

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #507 on: 07/06/2015 02:08 pm »
N° 23–2015: Call for media: First ESA facility in UK - a catalyst for growth

http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Press_Releases/Call_for_media_First_ESA_facility_in_UK_-_a_catalyst_for_growth

Offline bolun

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #508 on: 07/09/2015 07:37 pm »

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Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #510 on: 12/02/2016 07:29 pm »
Excellent news as far as the prospects of Tim Peake flying again to the ISS by the looks of it.

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #511 on: 02/20/2017 06:27 am »
Space flight is next frontier for UK under new powers

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The Spaceflight Bill will also allow scientists to fly to the edge of space and conduct experiments in zero gravity, which could help develop vaccines and antibiotics, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.
Science minister Jo Johnson said the bill would "cement the UK's position as a world leader in this emerging market".
The first commercial flight from a UK space port could lift off by 2020 under the powers, the DfT said.
Mr Johnson said: "From the launch of Rosetta, the first spacecraft to orbit a comet, to Tim Peake's six months on the International Space Station, the UK's space sector has achieved phenomenal things in orbit and beyond.
"With this week's Spaceflight Bill launch, we will cement the UK's position as a world leader in this emerging market, giving us an opportunity to build on existing strengths in research and innovation."

http://www.aol.co.uk/news/2017/02/20/space-flight-is-next-frontier-for-uk-under-new-powers/

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #512 on: 06/28/2017 11:55 am »
The first commercial astronaut training center will be built in the UK

https://www.engadget.com/2017/06/28/uk-blue-abyss-world-first-commercial-space-research-centre/

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #513 on: 06/28/2017 12:09 pm »
I've updated the UK spaceflight bill thread with the UK government announcement of the bill going to the House of Lords.

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #514 on: 07/21/2017 07:43 am »
UK wants continued EU Copernicus participation

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The UK has given the clearest statement yet of its desire to stay within the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation programme after Brexit.
EU member states are building the most advanced ever satellite system for monitoring the state of the planet - with Britain playing a major role.
Business Secretary Greg Clark says he wants that participation to continue.
His comments came as Airbus UK debuted the latest satellite for Copernicus known as Sentinel-5 Precursor.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40675444

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #515 on: 11/07/2017 04:38 pm »
U.K. military seeks to ride wave of commercial space innovation

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The military is looking for ways to tap into the space boom, said General Sir Chris Deverell, commander of the U.K. Joint Forces Command. The command is responsible for Britain’s military satellite communications.

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The first Skynet was launched in 1969. The current system, the Skynet 5, will need to be replaced in the coming decade. The incumbent contractor is Airbus. The MoD has not yet signed a contract for the future Skynet 6 satellites — an estimated $8 billion project over 20 years. Officials have invited industry representatives to discuss the future of Skynet at a private meeting in London on Friday. Top players in the industry have pushed the MoD to open up the work to new competitors.

As the MoD debates its next move on Skynet, “We hope we can exploit the changes in the environment,” said Nick Ayling, head of U.K. MoD space policy. “I think we should be as open as we can to new commercial models and technologies,” he said. “It’d be surprising to me, if we do that, that it didn’t lead to major capability enhancements.”

http://spacenews.com/u-k-military-seeks-to-ride-wave-of-commercial-space-innovation/

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #516 on: 11/27/2017 06:58 pm »
Government press release.

UK space launch programme receives £50 million boost in Government’s Industrial Strategy

A £50 million programme to enable new satellite launch services and low gravity spaceflights from UK spaceports will boost the economy and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Business Secretary Greg Clark announced the plans today (Monday 27 November) as he launched the Government’s ambitious Industrial Strategy. This sets out a long-term vision for how Britain can build on its economic strengths, address its productivity performance, embrace technological change and support businesses and workers.

The £50 million programme, which builds on the £99 million already invested in the National Satellite Test Facility at Harwell, will help UK spaceports access a global market for launching small satellites worth £10 billion over 10 years, and offer low gravity flights to advance cutting-edge science.

UK Space Agency Chief Executive, Graham Turnock, said:

“The ambition of our LaunchUK programme is for a home-grown market for spaceflight which will give businesses across the country access to exciting new opportunities.

“This £50 million boost from the Industrial Strategy will help the UK Space Agency continue working with the industry to develop new technologies, infrastructure and services, to establish the UK as a world leading destination for space launch.”

The UK Space Agency is working with industry to grow the UK’s share of the global space market from 6.5% to 10% by 2030. To achieve this, companies must be able to pursue new commercial opportunities from the UK, which offers an excellent location for space launch, with a world-leading small satellite industry, access to in-demand orbits, and reputation for regulatory excellence.

The Department for Transport, Civil Aviation Authority and UK Space Agency are working together to legislate to enable a comprehensive regulatory environment for these activities with the Space Industry Bill currently going through Parliament. Several sites in England, Wales and Scotland have so far come forward with spaceport plans. A series of LaunchUK roadshows are currently touring the country to explore how the market can develop, what opportunities it offers for new supply chains, and how the benefits can be delivered across the country.

The Government has also provided further guidance today for sectors such as space, which are developing sector deal proposals, and intends to announce negotiations for new deals in the New Year.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-space-launch-programme-receives-50-million-boost-in-governments-industrial-strategy

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #517 on: 12/15/2017 05:45 pm »
UK hopes new $132 million satellite testing plant will assuage Brexit concerns for space industry

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HARWELL, United Kingdom — A 99 million pound ($132 million) satellite test facility to be built at the U.K.’s Harwell Campus should bring more business to the space hub here and ensure Britain’s satellite manufacturers can carry on without disruption post-Brexit, according to Chris Mutlow, director of RAL Space, the space division of the U.K. state-run Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

http://spacenews.com/uk-hopes-new-132-million-satellite-testing-plant-will-assuage-brexit-concerns-for-space-industry/

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #518 on: 02/01/2018 08:03 pm »
UK Space Agency backs Spire as ESA space mission provider

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The UK Space Agency has awarded more than £4 million to Spire Global to demonstrate cutting-edge space technology including ‘parallel super-computing’.

Today’s announcement by UK Government ministers Lord Henley and Lord Duncan, gives the green light to missions designed to showcase the technology and put UK companies into orbit faster and at a lower cost. The UK is the largest funder of the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Satellites (ARTES) programme, which transforms research into successful commercial projects.

The funding from the UK Space Agency was announced by Lord Henley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on a visit to the satellite powered data company’s UK base in Glasgow, where Spire intends to create new jobs to add to its existing workforce.

Business Minister, the Rt. Hon. Lord Henley, said:

“Thanks to this new funding, Spire will be able to cement its activities in the UK, develop new technologies and use space data to provide new services to consumers that will allow businesses to access space quicker and at a lower cost – offering an exciting opportunity for the UK to thrive in the commercial space age.

“Through the government’s Industrial Strategy, we are encouraging other high-tech British businesses to pursue more commercial opportunities with the aim of growing the UK’s share of the global space market to 10% by 2030.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Lord Duncan said:

“Spire Global is at the cutting edge of technology, using satellite data to track ships, planes and weather in some of the world’s most remote regions. They’re also an important employer in Glasgow, investing in the area and recognising the talent of Scotland’s world class engineers and scientists. We know that the space industry is important to Scotland’s economy and this UK Government funding will help companies like Spire stay at the forefront of this field.”

The ARTES Pioneer programme is designed to support industry by funding the demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, services and applications in a representative space environment. Part of this is to support one or more Space Mission Providers, which could provide commercial services to private companies or public bodies.

“Spire’s infrastructure, capabilities, and competencies all support our submission to this program. For the launch of our 50+ satellite constellation, we quickly became our own best customer,” said Theresa Condor, Spire’s EVP of Corporate Development. “We’re looking forward to demonstrating our end-to-end service and infrastructure on this series of validation missions. ‘Space as a Service’ means going from mission technical architecture to customer data/service verification, along with the ongoing development of critical enabling technologies.”

One validation mission will develop parallel super-computing in space – a core component for future computationally intensive missions. A second, exploitation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for weather applications, will leverage Galileo signals for GNSS Radio Occultation. Radio occultation is a key data input for the improvement of weather forecasts. Upon completion, the GNSS-RO technology can be immediately commercialized.

The UK Space Agency is also supporting a space incubation centre in Glasgow and has provided support over several years to the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, based at the University of Strathclyde and working across the whole of Scotland. The Centre’s role is to raise awareness of the potential of satellite services and data to be used in new and improved products and services in other “space enabled” markets – including, for example, offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-space-agency-backs-spire-as-esa-space-mission-provider

Offline Star One

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Re: British Space Agency / UKSA Master Thread
« Reply #519 on: 02/22/2018 05:55 pm »
Deep-space communication base coming to Cornwall

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An £8.4 million space communication base to track missions to the Moon and Mars will be created in Cornwall.
Goonhilly Earth Station, in the Lizard peninsula, will upgrade one of its satellite antenna in the project.
The European Space Agency (ESA) say this will make it a "key player" in the "exciting future" of space exploration.
The agency says more deep-space communication facilities, used for missions such as Gaia and ExoMars, are needed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-43153107

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