Tuesday, April 6, 2010

UKSA

Britain hasn't taken a major role in space. It has cooperated with NASA-- there have been a few British astronauts-- and it has contributed to some of Europe's space efforts, but there's not been much beyond that level of engagement.

Well, that might change. Britain's government has now created the United Kingdom Space Agency to coordinate British space efforts and develop a national space program. There is talk of establishing a British manned spaceflight capability-- and a private British aerospace company may be leading the way in developing the first true spaceplane. That would change everything, putting Britain once again in a world leadership role. Parliament and Downing Street seems finally to be taking notice.

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