Do we need a Space Agency ? Right now ?

[Busa_Rush]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8404213.stm

Labour think we do . . . with all the cost and bureaucracy which will accompany it. We're already a member of the European Space Agency . . . which is part of the benefit of being in the EU, to share resources, costs and ideas. So why double up and have our own set of people ?

[FNG]

Thought exactly the same.

It makes a change from spunking buckets of cash on non-jobs and social experimentation, but it's still thoroughly not needed.

I can't even muster the energy to be surprised by it any more though, let alone as spittle-sprayingly angry as I / we ought to be.

[jmorgan]

My understanding is that we already have a big interest. Maybe this is a way of coordinating it but I suspect its the gubbmint missing out on a trick and want in. Might be OK, time will tell.

[stevieb]

The UK only contribute the lowest funding possible for ESA. That is in some way why the UK does not has any involvement in any of the manned flights that ESA are co funding..

[jmorgan]

I was referring to the UK industry as a whole not solely the esa compliment. (not an expert, just what I thought).

[Eric Mc]

The UK is the only industrial country that HASN'T had a space agency to date. Even Ireland has one.

I see nothing wrong with the idea. It won't run that many projects of its own but it will help co-ordinate the multitude of independent projects that exist anyway. In a way, it just the refocussing of one already existing part of the overall Government Scientific Committee.

I don't think the budget already allociated to space research is being increased in any way.

[bobthemonkey]

EADS Astrium and SSTL makes us the second largest (commercial) satelite manufacturer worldwide, after the USA.

Very large satelite constellation operators like Inmarsat are also based in the UK.

So yes, some kind of space agency is needed.

Edited by bobthemonkey on Friday 11th December 13:35

[Oakey]

This will tie in nicely with the news I've just read on another thread that ET disclosure is imminent. Will they be selling tin foil space hats or can we build our own?

[FourWheelDrift]

It's so they can build themselves a rocket to escape the planet when everyone finds out just much money they have wasted and how many lies they have been telling.


Now where's that post-launch destruct button?

Ah, here it is. USB connection as well.

[thinfourth2]

And since this thread has started no doudt there was been another 3 different agencys started up with the words equality, outreach, and ethnic in the title

[Hedders]

Eric Mc said:

It won't run that many projects of its own but it will help co-ordinate the multitude of independent projects that exist anyway.

Great, the few projects we do have will now be given the governmental touch of death.

[DJC]

bobthemonkey said:

EADS Astrium and SSTL makes us the second largest (commercial) satelite manufacturer worldwide, after the USA.

Very large satelite constellation operators like Inmarsat are also nased in the UK.

So yes, some kind ofv spac. Agency is needed.

And I have to say some of the stuff we produce is pretty damn funky. I love my new job and workplace

[jimothy]

bobthemonkey said:

spac. Agency

Spac Agency? You mean the government?

[bobthemonkey]

jimothy said:

bobthemonkey said:

spac. Agency

Spac Agency? You mean the government?

Indeed. Cursed iphone keyboard. (That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.)

[Busa_Rush]

bobthemonkey said:

EADS Astrium and SSTL makes us the second largest (commercial) satelite manufacturer worldwide, after the USA.

Very large satelite constellation operators like Inmarsat are also based in the UK.

So yes, some kind of space agency is needed.

Edited by bobthemonkey on Friday 11th December 13:35

Why ? They are commercial businesses which build products for the space industry . . . we might be proud of them but why do we need a separate body of probably 50 people or more spending £millions every year ?

Those companies, businesses or research establishments which want to make use of satellites or space related products and services can do so anyway via the EU . . . what does our own agency add other than cost, bureaucracy and the need for more office space in London ?

[nonegreen]

yes of course we do. We need a space agency more than we need the University of leeds, east anglia and Brighton. We need it more than we need social services, way to 5 co-ordinators and Local education authorities. Much more than global warming prevention officers, the department of the environment, the BBC and the Driving stardards agency, in fact the entire civil service. The only nthing more important than a space agency is roadbuilding and rail lines. Busses can go too.

[Eric Mc]

Hedders said:

Eric Mc said:

It won't run that many projects of its own but it will help co-ordinate the multitude of independent projects that exist anyway.

Great, the few projects we do have will now be given the governmental touch of death.

I disaggree.

The projects we have now are overseen by about four separate agencies - all getting in each other's way. This should simplify matters.

[Tangent Police]

.........No and neither do we need a fking international sports day.

[FourWheelDrift]

Guam said:

FourWheelDrift said:

It's so they can build themselves a rocket to escape the planet when everyone finds out just much money they have wasted and how many lies they have been telling.


Now where's that post-launch destruct button?

Ah, here it is. USB connection as well.

OH I have to get me one of those that would look so cool on my desk

Where do I buy one

The Armageddon hub £34.12 - http://www.zsuaro.com/UI/Armageddon_USB_Hub_200705...
Check other places as well.

[Hedders]

Eric Mc said:

I disaggree.

The projects we have now are overseen by about four separate agencies - all getting in each other's way. This should simplify matters.

Obviously i don't have any great knowledge in this area, I just can't believe anything will become simpler or more cost effective after the government gets their hands on it though