US and UK Pledge to Work on New Space Exploration Initiative

(April 20, 2007) -- NASA and the British National Space Centre (BNSC) have signed a historic agreement to jointly study how the two space agencies might work together on future planetary explorations to the Moon and beyond.

A joint team is to be established to conduct a study into specific areas of US-UK potential collaboration involving lunar science and exploration.

Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said: "During my recent meeting with NASA's Administrator Dr Michael Griffin, I was keen for the USA and UK to co-operate on exactly this sort of exciting endeavour.

"I am delighted that this important agreement has been signed between our two space agencies which could provide an opportunity to harness the UK's world-class expertise in small satellite and robotic technologies."

The UK space sector is worth GBP 4.8 billion per annum, supports 70,000 jobs and makes an overall contribution to UK GDP of almost GBP 7 billion per annum.

The joint agreement was signed in Washington and marks the successful conclusion of several recent meetings on potential lunar and planetary collaboration.

Source : British National Space Centre

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