Energy News  
Science minister calls for Brits in space

disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only
by Staff Writers
London (UPI) Oct 10, 2008
Britain's new science minister says he wants to send British astronauts into space to encourage a new generation to become scientists and engineers.

"We have to recognize that putting people into space is an iconic science project that inspires people," said Paul Drayson, who was appointed last week.

The politician-businessman who also is a racecar driver said he came to his realization after visiting Florida's Kennedy Space Center with his family.

"I have five children, and the tour guide asked all the children aged between 8 and 15 to put their hands up," Drayson told London's Daily Telegraph.

"She said that they were eligible to join the NASA astronaut program to fly to Mars," Drayson said. "I remember when men landed on the moon. Now my 11-year-old daughter wants to be an astronaut."

Britain spends nearly $350 million on space each year, but all of it goes toward robotic probes and satellites, the Telegraph said.

The government has opposed supporting manned space flight for 40 years.

Drayson's Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills plans to issue a recommendation on the matter within six months, the newspaper said.

Community
Email This Article
Comment On This Article

Related Links
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


Europe space chiefs elated after freighter completes mission
Toulouse, France (AFP) Sept 29, 2008
Europe's space freighter was destroyed over the South Pacific on Monday, ending a glitteringly successful maiden mission to the International Space Station (ISS), officials said.







The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement