China: joint workshop on space science and technology
Published 17 June 2014
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0.1 Detail
Science and Technology (SIN) China and UKTI Innovation Gateway co-funded the Ninth UK-China Workshop on Space Science and Technology held in Shanghai on 28-29 May. This report considers some of the opportunities generated by the event.
The event was a follow up activity to the renewed space co-operation MOU signed in December, and was organised by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory) and China’s Beihang University; both parties to the Secretariat of the UK-China Virtual Joint Space Laboratory. We brought 40 UK delegates from business, academia and government to Shanghai to connect with over 150 Chinese counterparts from across the country.
The sessions focused on three key areas: Earth observation (remote sensing and climate); planetary exploration; and training. Following two days of lively negotiations, an astonishing 61 areas for collaborations were identified and 26 MOUs were signed, committing to joint collaboration in these areas.
Just some examples of ongoing and forthcoming collaboration include:
- An offer from CNSA to use UK instruments and payload on their space exploration vehicles, including as part of their Mars exploration programme.
- Strathclyde Space Institute have secured £1m from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), matching funds from the Research Councils, to work on integrated design and manufacturing; their components were used on the Chinese “Jade Rabbit” moon lander.
- Nottingham University are working with MoST and the European Space Agency on a programme which will monitor damage to bridges from space.
- The National Space Centre are talking to Chinese contacts about the possibility of supplying equipment for planetaria.
Comment
There was much optimism in Shanghai, an acknowledgement that the space relationship is as healthy as ever and a universal recognition that there is a lot to be gained for both sides. We should aim to give companies greater clarity where collaboration is uncontroversial, and ensure our approach is appropriate in other areas.
0.2 Disclaimer
The purpose of the FCO Country Update(s) for Business (”the Report”) prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information and related comment to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Report’s contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Report’s contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report.