Should the UK join the ISS?
With Atlantis docked with the space station there’s no denying that manned spaceflight makes for compelling watching. The first spacewalk has been postponed due to a mystery (but non-life threatening) illness to astronaut Hans Schlegel, and blogger Damaris Sattia is reporting that there may be a problem with the thermal blanket on the shuttle.
While attention is focussed on the station, I’ve been continuing my devate with Mark Hempsell about whether the UK should join the ISS project. My latest response is below, and previous posts are here, here and here.
Dear Mark
You make a good case for the science that will be carried out on board the space station and although I’d still be intrigued to hear of, say, three really spectacular results from the twenty years of long term space flight with Mir and ISS, let me concede the scientific case for manned spaceflight for now and try a practical one. Many of the projects you outline - particularly research into medical applications and crops - are commercial ones. We’d expect Earthbound research into these topics to be supported mostly by commercial companies, and it seems to me that we’re getting near the point where the same will be true in space. NASA’s plans, while vague at this point, seem to call for the space station to be run by or for private experiments from 2015 onward, and there are several commercial companies like Bigelow aerospace working hard to make private space stations a reality. Shouldn’t we therefore concentrate government money on the things that private investment won’t do? As the BBC report here later this year the ESA member states will be asked to develop an independent transportation system for manned spaceflight. Why shouldn’t we lead this effort instead of subsidising the ISS?
Chris
on March 5th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Dear Chris,
Being a committed enthusiast of astronomy in great Britain, in these recent years as the science, it seems, is getting seriously close to answering those important questions, or at least our scientists and industry having a direct influence within these fields, i find myself angered as our government is pulling out from many of the really important schemes and investments in aerospace and esa, I’m really not at all sure that the politicians have learned from previous mistakes, such as dropping bluestreak in the 70’s when at a time satellite telecommunication was beginning an illustrious career, blowing apart our aerospace industry too, leaving the french rockets to make billions every year doing what bluestreak would have.
Also the earth based telescope projects, evidence is showing that it may be quite fashionable these days to ‘not’ be part of this, why wouldn’t it? most of the important science is done with the Keck, Binocular, VLT, and I’m sure even when the James webb telescope will be operational Britain again shall have her back turned, as she does again and again to the talent of astronomers and scientists who without backing nor support will be snapped up by the US or Europe, budgets are tight, i know, but a little less money on bullets and epensive munitions, and more money on a worthwhile cause of not only asking why, but handing the tools to those British astronomers and scientists who can answer those questions themselves and bring British science back up to where it used to be - cutting edge.
Simon Rose
on March 5th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hi Simon
Just a couple of clarifications which might cheer you up a bit. Firstly, there’s been no cut to our contributions to ESA. Secondly, the UK is one of the countries which owns and operates the VLT (via our membership of ESO) and we’re involved in building the JWST too.
on March 5th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Realizing my rant diverted slightly from the point i will like to ad that our own science and avenues of study should be priority and any British interest in ISS should stand as just observational, no part in a commercial flop as the ISS at this stage should be played, professional suicide- ok ok i think I’ve made my point, sorry.
Although on another note, i was actually quite excited by the news of Britain joining the new space race, and developing an aerospace infrastructure and training UK astronauts as great as this sounds, considering the recent complaints of budget cuts and pulling out of a few scientific research ventures, why would a government than boast to put up cash for the most expensive schemes man can start a space programme !
the mind boggles.
on March 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Chris,
Thankyo for clearing up my misinformed rant, just goes to show that even scientific news can be wrong too, i was aware that british scientist are involved in the construction on the JWT and that too is a wonderful thing, but i hope that british involvement is going to continue, and not withdraw after a few years of operation.
Im starting to wonder if anything ive read is at all true, i guess its a good thing there are people out there like yourself to put civies like me on the right path- thankyou.
Simon
P.s Keep up the good work on the sky at night - one of only a few programmes that is worth watching - well done.