One of Europe's flagship space projects looks as though it is going to proceed with the UK continuing to be a bit-part player, scientists and engineers fear.
The Kopernikus programme is dedicated to acquiring and collating satellite data on the health of the planet.
Although Britain says it recognises the project's high value, especially for monitoring the climate, it has so far declined to take a lead in the venture.
Industry and academia have called for a swift change in government policy.
Failure to adopt a more positive approach before a critical meeting of Europe's space ministers next month will put expertise and jobs in the UK at risk, they warn.
"We had a chance three years ago to play a major role in this programme and I'm afraid it looks as though we are about to let slip another opportunity," said Dr Mike Healy from EADS Astrium, the largest space company in the UK.
Global view
Kopernikus is a joint endeavour of the European Space Agency (Esa) and the European Commission.
It is building a coordinated system for Earth observation and monitoring.
No comments:
Post a Comment