UK and Japan commit to greater collaboration on space
One of the key areas for collaboration is on earth observation technology, such as the NovaSAR programme or the Disaster Monitoring Constellation…
One of the key areas for collaboration is on earth observation technology, such as the NovaSAR programme or the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) run by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited. In partnership with the UK Space Agency, DMC provided vital data to assist with rescue efforts and damage assessment in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Visiting Japan with the Prime Minister and a trade delegation, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts will say:
“The UK space industry is a true success story, employing tens of thousands of highly skilled people and contributing around £7.5 billion to economy annually. However space is a global market and the UK’s success is dependent on international collaboration, so it’s vital we forge strong partnerships with countries like Japan that lead the way in technology.
“Today’s agreement paves the way for future space research and commercial cooperation between our two countries. This will drive growth by opening up opportunities for both the UK’s innovative companies and leading researchers.”
The UK already has a record of scientific collaboration with Japan on solar physics. This includes the most recent Japanese solar mission Hinode, on which one of the three science instruments is from the UK.
Today’s agreement will help the UK reach ambitious targets to grow its share of the world space market to 10 per cent by 2030. It is part of the wider work by the UK to make satellite data more commercially available, led by the UK Space Agency working closely with International Space Innovation Centre at Harwell in Oxfordshire.
Notes to editors
-
The UK Space Agency is at the heart of UK efforts to explore and benefit from space. It is responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and provides a clear, single voice for UK space ambitions. The UK Space Agency is responsible for ensuring that the UK retains and grows a strategic capability in the space-based systems, technologies, science and applications. It leads the UK’s civil space programme in order to win sustainable economic growth, secure new scientific knowledge and provide benefits to all citizens. More information can be found here: [http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency](http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency)
-
More information about the Hinode solar mission can be found here: [http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency/missions/hinode](http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency/missions/hinode)
-
More information about NovaSAR constellation can be found here: [http://www.sstl.co.uk/novasar](http://www.sstl.co.uk/novasar)
-
More information about the DMC’s role in aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami can be found here: [http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency/news-and-events/2011/Mar/satellite-network-provides-data-in-the-aftermath-of-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami](http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency/news-and-events/2011/Mar/satellite-network-provides-data-in-the-aftermath-of-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami)
-
BIS’s online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
Notes to Editors
Contact Information
Name NDS Enquiries Job Title
Division
Phone For enquiries please contact the issuing dept Fax
Mobile
Email ndsenquiries@co.gsi.gov.uk
Name Michael Gibbs Job Title
Division Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Phone 020 7215 1635 Fax
Mobile