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UK Reconsiders 1986 Decision To Ban Astronauts

Posted by Zonk on from the brits-iiiinnnn-spaaaaccceee dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The British space agency, BNSC, is reconsidering its 1986 decision to reject all human space missions. The decision has dominated British space policy ever since, leaving Britain out of many American and European space projects. The UK is the only nation in the G8 group of leading economies that does not have a human space flight program. But space enthusiast groups like the British Interplanetary Society are trying to persuade the British government to participate in both manned and unmanned space activities."

3 of 279 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Pathetic.... by RiotingPacifist · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Theres this thing, im not sure you have much of it over the pond, its called science. There is know need/point in wasting money in some ego race to see who can touch mars first, but by exploring the universe we can expand our scientific knowledge.

    --
    IranAir Flight 655 never forget!
  2. Re:Pathetic.... by jmorris42 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    No, their position is that government should play no role in sending men into space.


    No, read the article. As a Libertarian sort I'd be down with that part about not stealong my money to blast somebody else into space. But yhey are spewing propaganda to British school children. To quote the article:

    2. Make the case for ending human space flight. Outline the advantages of using satellites and the disadvantages and dangers of manned missions. Include an explanation as to why manned missions have continued despite the cost and loss of life.


    That is a sign of a civilization that has lost not only the will to live, it isn't even all that curious anymore. If you aren't ever planning on roving over the mountain eventually, why waste the money sending a robot to look around?
    --
    Democrat delenda est
  3. Re:The British got it right by dbolger · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Meanwhile, in 1491 Madrid...

    Ardillasunen wrote:

    At this point human transatlantic exploration is at best a propaganda exercise and at worst a complete waste of money. Why should King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella change their stance on the issue? Have transatlantic voyages become more interesting in the last 20 years? More strategically important? More affordable?

    I realize transatlantic exploration is inspiring but that in itself isn't enough to justify the expenses.