UK Space Agency formally launched
1 April 2011
Today the UK Space Agency is formally launched as an executive agency under the auspices of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.
The Agency will have responsibility for strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and will target areas that have the greatest potential for delivering scientific excellence, economic benefits and national security.
Priority areas include developing scientific advancements in space technologies, gaining a better understanding of our planet through Earth observation spacecraft and nurturing our next generation of space scientists and researchers.
Minister for Universities & Science, David Willetts, said, "The UK space industry is worth an estimated £7·5 billion and is an important driver for economic growth. This is why we've earmarked £10 million in the Budget to start a national space technology programme and committed to reducing the regulatory burden on industry.
"The establishment of the UK Space Agency will provide a focal point for this work and bring together our very best talent. This will help us concentrate efforts on advancements in space science and satellite technology, and ultimately give us a better understanding of our own planet."
The Agency's principal driver is economic growth through both export and innovation, and through supporting science as an enabler for growth.
With the establishment of the new UK Space Agency, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has agreed to transfer responsibility for space-based infrastructure and Earth Observation (EO) instrument development, including the UK ESA subscription, to it. Environmental research using EO data, the services and facilities that underpin this work and scientific mission support studies will remain within NERC's remit.
Further information
NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215
Notes
1. More information about the UK Space Agency, current programmes and its strategy for 2011-15 can be found on the UK Space Agency website.
Briefing note: 02/11
External links
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