The UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with Axiom Space, a space company based in the US, to collaborate on plans for a human space mission.
This deal could lead to the launch of UK astronauts in the first all-UK mission to space, where they would spend up to two weeks in orbit conducting scientific research, demonstrating new technologies, and participating in education and outreach activities.
“This agreement paves the way for UK astronauts to conduct scientific research in orbit, and to inspire millions of us here on Earth,” said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.
UKSA and Axiom Space are calling on UK universities, research institutions, and industry to propose ideas for experiments and technology demonstrations to be conducted during the mission.
The two organisations aim to work together, with the full support of the European Space Agency, to progress in commercial space missions.
Axiom Space specialises in providing full-service orbital missions, including end-to-end crewed missions to the International Space Station.
“There is much to do, and this agreement is the springboard for the UK Space Agency, Axiom Space and the mission sponsors to assess how we best push forward the frontiers of knowledge and innovation, and showcase the power of space to improve lives on Earth,” Dr Bate said.
UKspace president Dr Alice Bunn commented on the broader impact of the agreement, noting the growth in the application of space technology and data in everyday lives.
“Space is no longer for the privileged few; we have witnessed incredible growth in the application of space technology and data to everyday lives,” said Dr Bunn, who described the agreement as “incredibly exciting”.
Science minister George Freeman is expected to speak about attracting further investment into the UK space sector at the opening of the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
