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Space Developments in the UK - RAS Astronomy Forum Updates

Stay informed about the latest space developments in the UK, including policy frameworks, funding allocations, and science programme highlights. Key topics covered such as dual key arrangement, technology development, and recent space missions. Explore the UK Space Agency's role in civil space policy, security, and science programs in partnership with various organizations. Gain insights into the Astronomy Grants Panel and recent policy developments in the space industry.

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Space Developments in the UK - RAS Astronomy Forum Updates

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  1. making the UK the Place for SpaceUp-date to the RAS Astronomy Forum Dr Chris Castelli Director Programmes 8 April 2016

  2. Up-dates and developments • Recent developments around ‘dual key’ • SR15 allocations outcome and implications for space science programme • Planning the future programme

  3. New faces Katherine Courtney Interim CEO UK Space Agency Dr Katherine Wright Head of Space Science UK Space Agency

  4. Policy framework The UK Space Agency leads UK’s civil space policy. While military space activities are not within its remit, it is involved in civil space security. The Agency is also the delivery body for space science and technology programmes, in partnership with the European Space Agency, the Research Councils, InnovateUK and the MetOffice. National space policy is a reserved policy area, and relates to the objectives of 25 other government departments and agencies – NSP published in Dec 2015

  5. Policy framework Enduring principles; roles and responsibilities Policy to action: regulation, R&D and business environment Markets and applications focus Civil/military coherence

  6. Roles and Responsibilities for Space

  7. Dual Key – recent developments The Astronomy Grants Panel Remit The Astronomy Grants Panel will assess and will provide recommendations to the Council Executive and the Science Programmes Advisory Committee (SPAC) of the UK Space Agency (UKSA), under the dual key arrangement, on all responsive research grant applications in astronomy and space science covering basic research, exploitation, theory and modelling and the development of basic (‘blue skies’) technology related to the programme Technology Development STFC will consider funding proposals up to and including TRL 4 UKSA will consider proposals from TRL 5 and above Note UKSA’s programme of Aurora science is ‘integrated programme’

  8. Recent Science Programme highlights • Outcome of Spending Review: allocations • 3 Dec 2015 - Launch of LisaPathfinder • Feb 2016 - Launch of Sentinel 3A – major UK involvement, part of a programme that is transforming the potential of Earth observation for services and • 14 March - Launch of ExoMars 2016 comprising the Trace Gas orbiter and a large entry, descent and landing technology demonstrator called Schiaparelli – prove Europe’s ability to land safely on Mars (orbiter will also relay data from Mars back to the Earth and support future lander missions) • JWST - major milestone this month with start of environment of ISIM with Optical Telescope Assembly (8 months contingency for Oct 2018 launch)

  9. Policy developments • HoC S&T Select Committee inquiry into ‘space and satellites’ continuing • Six panel hearings so far • Minister appeared on 15 March • Main themes around: balance of investment; regulation; improving/aggregating government use of space data • ESA Council of Ministers Dec 2016 £280m/yr of our £370m/yr budget spent thorough ESA Approx 80% through ESA

  10. SR15 Allocations https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/science-and-research-funding-allocation-2016-to-2020

  11. Update on Spending Review • IPP = Global Challenges Research Fund • ‘WCL’ = National programme capital, NSTP, facilities and science instruments • ‘Grand Challenges capital’ = ESA subs capital element, Plato, SABRE

  12. ESA Science and Robotic Exploration

  13. Future Programme • Priority is ESA’s Cosmic Vision (M, L & S class + Missions of Opportunity) • Stable level of national programme funding • Committed elements under MLA (under development and in orbit operations • Major new capital investment for Plato (adoption 2016) – ESA-ESO Agreement under development • New future opportunities (head room) • SMILE/S2 (Feb 2018 adoption) • M4 Phase A funding up to selection June 2017 (adoption end 2018) • Two L class missions: Athena technology & roadmap to L3 Gravity wave observatory ESA

  14. ESA – A world class space science programme Astrophysics & fundamental physics Solar System exploration

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