UK to invest £1.2bn in European space projects

From satellite communications to Mars rovers and nuclear space batteries, the direction of Britain's investment in European space projects was decided today as the Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, finalised negotiations for the UK at the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ministerial Council in Naples. It is hoped that the outcome of the negotiations will strengthen the UK's role in a number of areas, including telecommunications and Earth observation satellites. According to Willetts, it will also secure around £1bn of orders per year from British businesses. He commented: "Space is big business for the UK so it is important for us to make strategic investments that will continue the growth of this thriving industry. "The programme of investment we've negotiated at ESA will not only allow us to get ahead in the global race by securing more major contracts for UK industry, but will also provide us with the tools to manage major challenges like disaster relief and climate change." In addition to the funding for the International Space Station, the UK's new package of investment with ESA includes a £16m investment in the International Space Station; an £81m investment in the weather satellite Metop 2G; and £18million for the Mars Robotic Exploration Preparation Programme.