Possible British ISS Contribution

Currently, Britain is not involved in any way with the ISS, except as a signatory to the agreement establishing the station as an international project. Indeed, Britain is not involved in any manned spaceflight program.

That may change.

A proposal that would have Britain make a significant contribution to the ISS has been floated. The proposal is for Britain to build two habitation modules that would be attached to the ISS, perhaps in 2011. The modules would allow the size of the permanent ISS crew to double from the current three people. Six person crews were the original standard for the station. Because 2011 would be after the space shuttle is due to be retired, the proposal calls for the modules to be launched on Russian boosters. Supporters of the proposal argue that a larger crew would mean more science would get done. They also argue that Great Britain should be involved in manned spaceflight.

The British Government has taken no position on the proposal as of yet.