Author Topic: British Space Agency / UKSA updates thread  (Read 238365 times)

Offline SimonShuttle

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British Space Agency / UKSA updates thread
« on: 10/01/2005 04:45 pm »
Is there any change this will happen, that we'll have our own capability? I don't really see how much involvement we have with ESA. Could we spend that money we give them on our own stuff?
« Last Edit: 09/29/2021 12:11 am by zubenelgenubi »

Offline JamesSpaceFlight

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #1 on: 10/01/2005 04:48 pm »
That amount of money would not be enough for any serious considerations. We lost our big chance with Hotol due to Thatcher and the British Government would have to make a huge change to policy for your wish to come true.

Offline SimonShuttle

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #2 on: 10/01/2005 07:12 pm »
I think it's bloody stupid that the country that invented more stuff than I can think of can't get a space program going and has to rely on French crap.

Offline Space101

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #3 on: 10/01/2005 07:14 pm »
I hear you on that!
Let's go and explore space.

Offline James Lowe1

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #4 on: 10/01/2005 07:20 pm »
That "French crap" does the job. You can't deny that!

Offline AndyMc

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #5 on: 10/01/2005 07:46 pm »
The British  used to have two space programs, one based on the ICBM Blue Streak, (LOX/Kerosene) which formed the first stage of a European launcher, and a small HTP/Kerosene launcher called Black Arrow. It launched the Satellite Prospero into Orbit from Woomera, Australia, and still Orbits the Earth to this day. If you want to feel real depressed have a read of the history of these sorry sagas.

You can find the links under 'British Spaceflight' on this site: http://www.aovi93.dsl.pipex.com/space_links.htm#british

I made a Black Arrow add-on for Orbiter Space Sim earlier this year, also available on the above site.






Offline AndyMc

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #6 on: 10/01/2005 07:46 pm »
The British  used to have two space programs, one based on the ICBM Blue Streak, (LOX/Kerosene) which formed the first stage of a European launcher, and a small HTP/Kerosene launcher called Black Arrow. It launched the Satellite Prospero into Orbit from Woomera, Australia, and still Orbits the Earth to this day. If you want to feel real depressed have a read of the history of these sorry sagas.

You can find the links under 'British Spaceflight' on this site: http://www.aovi93.dsl.pipex.com/space_links.htm#british

I made a Black Arrow add-on for Orbiter Space Sim earlier this year, also available on the above site.





Offline nacnud

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #7 on: 10/01/2005 07:47 pm »

Agreed, if there was to be a UK space agency I would prefer them to concentrate on payloads rather than launch systems. After all I'm not sure about the whole nationalistic approach to space flight. As far as science goes let the research councils fund projects that have the most relevant and pertinent proposal and if that involves space technology so be it. I would rather be able to pick the right technology from around the world rather than having to choose only domestic capabilities.

As an example if the UK suddenly got interested in how bladderworts respond to microgravity then sending an astronaut on a space adventures Soyuz flight with a clipboard and pen might return the most data for the £ (pound).

However once you factor in the benefit to the UK economy of developing a satellite, using domestic suppliers, containing a couple of bladderworts it might be better to do that.

It all depends on how you view spaceflight - as a tool or as a strategic capability.


Offline FransonUK

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #8 on: 10/01/2005 08:15 pm »
Out of interest, where would we launch from? I know you can't do much with where the UK is, but we're bound to own something near the Equator?
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Offline Chris SF

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #9 on: 10/01/2005 08:19 pm »
Quote
FransonUK - 1/10/2005  3:15 PM

Out of interest, where would we launch from? I know you can't do much with where the UK is, but we're bound to own something near the Equator?

The Assension Islands (spelling) was used in the Falklands War as a stop off right in the middle and was also where the US put two Aircraft Carriers for our disposal should we have needed them (thanks Reegan!)....of course, butt was kicked without them ;)

Wondering if that's the closest the UK has?

Online Chris Bergin

RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #10 on: 10/01/2005 08:25 pm »
Pretty damn close!
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Online Chris Bergin

RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #11 on: 10/01/2005 08:28 pm »
Although I don't think it's big enough for a space port:

http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/islands/atlantic/ascnsion.htm

>Land Area  145 sq km (55.9 sq miles)< Most of that is hilly...
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Offline FransonUK

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #12 on: 10/01/2005 08:41 pm »
Nothing you couldn't extend. Works for me. I really hope we stop throwing money at ESA as it's absolutely off the map of every UK citizen apart from a handful.
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Offline nacnud

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #13 on: 10/01/2005 08:44 pm »
With the execption of sea launch are there currently any better launch sites than Kourou?

Offline FransonUK

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #14 on: 10/01/2005 09:04 pm »
Quote
nacnud - 1/10/2005  3:44 PM

With the execption of sea launch are there currently any better launch sites than Kourou?

Maybe we should invade ;)
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Offline nacnud

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #15 on: 10/01/2005 11:46 pm »
:) Yep

Offline Space101

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #16 on: 10/02/2005 01:31 pm »
Would ESA be in the shit if that country was to fall out with France. What's the back up?
Let's go and explore space.

Offline FransonUK

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #17 on: 10/02/2005 01:36 pm »
How far did we get with Hotol and what was the big factor on it not happening? Any details on that, and the other one, Skylon?
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Offline Stardust9906

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #18 on: 10/02/2005 06:12 pm »
Information on the Skylon can be found at http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/main.php?content=index also information on HOTOL at http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/hotol.htm

Offline FransonUK

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RE: British Space Agency
« Reply #19 on: 10/02/2005 07:22 pm »
Quote
Stardust9906 - 2/10/2005  1:12 PM

Information on the Skylon can be found at http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/main.php?content=index also information on HOTOL at http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/hotol.htm

Thanks, very cool.
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