News: Space & Planetary Science
The British National Space Center (BNSC) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administratio ... more
In just over a week’s time NASA`s Phoenix Lander is due to launch for Mars where it will probe the arctic landscape searching for conditions favorable for past or ... more
In an unprecedented move, 14 of the world's leading space agencies today revealed their agreed vision for globally coordinated space exploration to the Moon, Mars ... more
Space & Planetary Science
The UK has taken a unique and targeted approach to space. Rather than viewing the development of space technology as an end in itself, the UK has identified clear scientific and commercial objectives, investing in space for three primary purposes: to expand knowledge in astronomy, planetary, and environmental sciences; to create opportunities for commercial exploitation of satellite systems; and to advance key public services. The UK uses space as a platform for world-class science: to answer questions about the origin of the universe, about the relationship between Earth’s gravity and ocean circulation, and about the evolution of our sun.
The UK is in full partnership with international space organizations such as NASA and ESA on current and future projects such as Cassini-Huygens, Envisat, and Galileo. And in keeping with the Government’s mission, these projects are dedicated to improving the quality of life on Earth and expanding our knowledge of our place in the universe. The UK is also committed to science and engineering in the areas of microsatellites, Earth observation and navigation, and space science and exploration.
Microsatellites
Microsatellite technology developed by the UK provides an innovative and low-cost alternative to the more traditional - and more expensive - optical satellites, making it easier to provide wide access to the images generated, increasing the number of people who can see them, and expanding their areas of use. Microsatellite images are currently being used in many remote-sensing applications.+ Other Space & Planetary Science websites
Earth Observation and Navigation Technology
Earth observation satellites can view Earth like no other technology, giving a truly global view with long-term capabilities. UK scientists have developed satellite instruments and data interpretation technology to perform a wide variety of functions including air quality measurements, temperature and substance detectors, and high-resolution measurements used to observe processes responsible for climate change. The UK is at the forefront of these technologies as demonstrated in our involvement in several joint NASA and ESA missions such as Envisat, the most advanced and comprehensive Earth observation satellite ever built.- Advancing Space-Based Navigation Systems : Published: 21 January 2021
- What Satellite Data Reveals about Climate Change : Tendo
+ Other Space & Planetary Science websites
Space Science and Exploration
UK scientists and engineers play a leading role in many exciting space science missions, which are pushing back the boundaries of our knowledge of our past, present and future, and inspiring generations of scientists and engineers to come to the UK. The UK has a critical role in ESA’s future plans to investigate mysteries of the universe, including taking the lead in the development of the first instrument to hit Saturn’s moon to provide unique data about the physical properties of the surface.- UK-led International Consortium to Test Mars Soil for Signs of Life : BBC News
- British Satellite Will Help Bridge Europe's Digital Divide : BBC News
- Cassini-Huygens: Unraveling the Ringed Planet’s Mysteries : Published: 21 January 2021