By 
July 13th, 2015
Credit: UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency has released its National Strategy for Space Environments and Human Spaceflight.
This strategy covers a range of scientific and technical disciplines, giving a picture for activities which use the space environment – from fundamental physics and novel materials to healthcare technologies and space science – and sets out the UK’s vision for human spaceflight.
A public consultation on the Strategy was conducted last year, following which a government response was published and the draft Strategy revised.
Why a UK strategy?
Tim Peake, a former British Army helicopter pilot was selected from thousands of applicants from across Europe to join the ESA astronaut corps in 2009.
Peake’s first mission was announced in May 2013 and he is slated to fly on the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month mission commencing November 2015
Peake will become the first UK Government-backed British astronaut, the first British astronaut to visit the ISS, and a very visible demonstration of UK ambition for human spaceflight.
Long duration human space travel
As discussed in the strategy document, this upcoming mission to the ISS presents an opportunity to showcase leading UK science and technology and a unique focus to inspire people, especially the young into science.
Credit: UK Space Agency
The intent is that UK experiments will improve our understanding of human health here on Earth, as well as the effects of long duration human space travel.
To view the UK National Strategy for Space Environments and Human Spaceflight, go to:
Posted in Space News
