UK Space Agency officially launched

By Cheryl Mullin on Mar 23, 10 07:08 PM

Britain now has its very own space agency.
The UK Space Agency was officially launched with the help of British astronaut Major Timothy Peake, and will by represented by the Union Flag morphed into a soaring arrow.
But the focus of today's London launch was on the dry realities of economics rather than trekking through the galaxy.

Despite Science Minister Lord Drayson confessing he would "like to see human beings living on Mars", Business Secretary Lord Mandelson was on hand to keep proceedings grounded. UK Space Agency launch.jpg
He said: "I think it is important to remember that although it is cutting edge, this stuff is not sci-fi.
"It may start in space, but it comes down to Earth very quickly and is directly relevant to all our daily lives."
The mini-version of Nasa will take overall responsibility for the nation's space activities, and replaces the soon-to-be defunct British National Space Centre (BNSC).
Operating initially from the BNSC's headquarters in Swindon, it will also be a first in allowing all aspects of civilian space policy to be handled "under one roof".
Currently, space is the responsibility of a loose partnership of Government departments and research councils.
It is hoped this new agency will help Britain become more competitive in the global space economy, and make the most of the areas it excels in such as satellites, telecommunications and robotics.
The recession-defying industry already contributes around £6bn a year to the economy and supports 68,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
Over the next 20 years it has the potential to grow to a £40bn industry and create 100,000 jobs.