UK Space Agency signs agreement on plans for ‘historic’ human spaceflight mission

Astronauts from the United Kingdom could fly to space on a future Axiom Space mission, thanks to a new agreement signed between the UK Space Agency and the Houston-based space company.

The agreement between the UK Space Agency and Axiom Space, sets out plans for the two organisations to work together to pursue a commercially sponsored, UK astronaut mission.

The announcement comes as Science Minister George Freeman is due to open the London Stock Exchange today (25 October 2023) where he will speak about opportunities to bring further investment into the UK space sector.

On this future flight, the UK astronauts would launch to space, spending up to two weeks on orbit to carry out scientific research, demonstrate new technologies, and participate in education and outreach activities.

The mission would build on the UK government’s National Space Strategy and the UK Science and Technology Framework, which highlights the important contribution of international relationships to the UK’s capabilities and identifies five critical technologies; AI, engineering biology, future telecommunications, semiconductors and quantum technologies.

George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “The prospect of a historic UK mission with Axiom Space has the potential to inspire a whole new generation to reach for the stars, while supporting our efforts to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world.

“We want to put the UK at the forefront of the global race for commercial space investment, continue to support scientists and engineers to test new technologies and carry out important research and, ultimately, bring the benefits back to people and businesses across the country.”

Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space CEO, added: “Axiom Space is looking forward to working with the UK Space Agency on a future human spaceflight mission.

“With this agreement as the initial foundation, we will build a comprehensive mission plan in support of the UK’s national and agency objectives to advance its capabilities in space exploration and discovery. Together, we will look to harness the benefits of microgravity and help push the boundaries of innovation to advance our civilization.”

The UK Space Agency is calling on UK universities, research institutions and industry to share their ideas for experiments and technology demonstrators which could be conducted by the crew on orbit over a two-week period.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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