Reviewing UK space exploration Jeremy Curtis, Louise Harra, John Zarnecki * , Monica Grady Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute, Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK abstract This is an edited version of the Executive Summary of a report produced to advise government ministers on the options for UK involvement in space exploration. It sets out four options e from reduced involvement through robotic-only to a fully integrated human and robotic involvement e and discusses the economic and social benefits of each. Given other countries’ interest in pursuing exploration, timing is of the essence. Ó 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. 1. Introduction A number of countries have developed new plans for exploring the Moon, Mars and near-Earth objects using both robotic space- craft and humans. These plans are coalescing into an endeavour known as the Global Exploration Strategy. As we enter the second 50 years of space exploration, this surge of activity suggests that we are truly on the verge of a second ‘space age’. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the UK. 2. Timing The decision on the level of engagement in exploration has long- term strategic implications. The timing of this decision affects the range of opportunities open to the UK since international discus- sions on leadership roles are well underway. There are specific opportunities in which the UK could take a major role, and extract major benefit, which build on our existing strengths. To secure these, the UK would have to stake its claim before these interna- tional discussions are concluded. As other nations declare their plans, the UK will need to demonstrate its firm intention to become involved if it wishes to play a major part. 3. Options There are four realistic options for the UK, each with costs and benefits, both in terms of economics and in terms of wider impacts for society. They are: 1. Reduced option: eliminate involvement in space exploration and restrict the UK to the mandatory ESA Science Programme only; 1 2. Status quo: continue with the current level of investment (restricted to the ESA Science programme and robotic Mars exploration programme); 3. Increase investment in robotic-only exploration, focused on the Moon and asteroid exploration through national projects and bilateral activities with other space agencies; 4. Invest in both robotic and human activities, leveraging the UK’s strength in robotic technologies to secure astronaut places in the human exploration of the Moon (two versions of this option are included to illustrate the range of expected costs and benefits). 4. Background and rationale The global space market is currently worth $251 billion per annum. It has been growing at 11% per annum and is expected to expand further. The agreed UK government Strategy is to maintain or grow the UK’s share of this expanding market. This requires that the UK stay at the cutting edge of relevant developments in science and technology. The challenges of space exploration will be a key enabler in positioning the UK to realise its strategy, by driving forward new technologies and innovative capability. Commercial opportunities would flow from new innovations and improved competitiveness in areas such as communications, navigation and Earth observation. There are wider ‘spin out’ benefits that stem from the fact that space is a challenging and demanding environment. New collaborations * Corresponding author. E-mail address: j.c.zarnecki@open.ac.uk (J. Zarnecki). 1 The ESA Science Programme covers a range of science disciplines including astronomy, the study of the Sun and planetary science, entirely using robotic missions. It excludes exploration of the Moon and Mars. Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Space Policy journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/spacepol 0265-9646/$ e see front matter Ó 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.spacepol.2010.03.007 Space Policy 26 (2010) 113e116