Role of the British Space Agency
The british satellites agency is an independent executive agency of the government of the United Kingdom, charged with the responsibility of developing and maintaining the UK's space programme. It was established in 1957 and is funded by central government and by industry through statutory contributions and voluntary contributions.
Its main aim is to contribute its expertise and experience to the UK space sector. The Agency plays an important role in the development and implementation of programmes for space exploration and research as well as promoting space commerce and education. It also develops the infrastructure that will enable long term European-led space research and development.
The UK has been a leading international player in the space research field ever since it was established, with some of its achievements being cited in UNESCO's Centennial Year book. A number of organisations throughout the world have been named as pioneers of space research, including the European Space Agency, NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency.
The United States, Canada and New Zealand are also members of the Space Agency. Many space agencies across the world also benefit from the valuable inputs and advice that the British space agency provides to the world on space issues, including national space policies and strategies, future exploration goals, space science and exploration technologies and systems and programmes that are considered to be relevant to the future of space exploration.
As well as these contributions, the UK Space Agency also provides training and technical assistance to the industry, enabling them to develop and maintain a competitive edge in the space arena. In addition to the development of the UK space sector, the agency also contributes to the development of UK's global status as an international leader in space.
British Space Agency
The UK space industry is an integral part of UK's global economy and contributes millions of pounds each year to the economy through employment and investment. The UK space industry is a highly valued contributor to the security and stability of the UK's world - wide space activities and the UK is also committed to continuing its support to international space research and development through the UK Space Council.
The Space Agency also offers various facilities and programs to its users. This includes space flight training and testing facilities, launches of satellites and unmanned spacecraft, research into space weather, space exploration and the provision of the necessary expertise to enable UK scientists and engineers to develop space vehicles and spacecraft. These space vehicle programs and experiments contribute to the UK's ability to make its contribution to international space exploration.
The Space Agency works closely with other international and national partners in space research and space applications. The United Kingdom also participates in international space activities like the European Space Agency and European and International Collaboration in the exploration of outer space.
The UK Space Agency also manages programmes to improve communication between the different UK space agencies and the rest of the international space communities and encourages cooperation with international partners. The UK Space Agency helps to establish international cooperation and standards in the design of space-related systems such as the International Space Station, the European Remote Sensing Satellite System (ERS) and the European Global Positioning System (EGS).