Space Brits

by LotusFlower | October 9, 2008 at 11:38 pm

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"Let's put a Brit in space" says the new Science Minister and the first question leapping to mind for some wiill be OK which one?

There are many candidates for who we personally might like putting into space with perhaps a one-way ticket but this is a serious matter not least it seems for 'national pride'. Beyond any intrinsic scientific worth the new Minister, Lord Drayson, feels it would inspire a new generation with an interest in science and promote businesses.

In the middle of a national and global financial crisis with jobs being lost or in danger of being lost this seems like bad timing. Britain has for a long time supported the European Space Agency, in fact being the biggest funder of the ESA's Aurora Mars project but withdrawing from any planned manned missions.

Drayson continues with his non-science reasons for sending a Brit into space by implying it can't be a bad thing because multi-millionaire busissnes man Richard Branson feels it would be a comercial success - charging fat-cats to be sent out on near space joy rides.

october chill--
raking moonbeams
from a mill pond

Britain should send astronauts into space, the new Science Minister said yesterday, giving the strongest sign yet that the Government will soon drop its longstanding opposition to funding manned space flight.

Lord Drayson said that British participation in missions to the Moon and Mars would inspire a new generation with interest in science and engineering, as well as benefit businesses.

His support for an “iconic project to put a Brit in space” promises to end a 40-year-old policy of refusing to fund crewed space missions.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, where Lord Drayson was appointed a minister of state in last week’s reshuffle, is reviewing its position and a report is expected in the next six