 |  |  |  |  |
| |  | |  | |
 |
Media Centre Press ReleasesESA TelevisionLaunch Media CornerExhibitionsServices CalendarPublicationsFrequently asked questionsESA-sponsored ConferencesHelpSite CreditsPortal terms of useCommentsSubscribe
|  |  |  |  | | | |  | Aerial view of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus | | New ESA centre in United Kingdom
27 November 2008 A step towards the creation of a new European Space Agency research centre in the United Kingdom was taken this week with an agreement made at the ESA Ministerial Council in The Hague. ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and the UK Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson, signed an agreement in principle to pursue the establishment of an ESA research centre, to be based at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
 | | | ExoMars rover | Several areas of possible activity have already been identified, including climate change modelling using space data, integrated applications and the development of new technologies for the next era of planetary exploration, including robotics and innovative power sources.
UK science and industry have played a strong part in the success of ESA missions and this move will allow for a stronger role in future ESA activities.
In fact, UK industry will be involved in the development of ExoMars, the ESA project to develop a robotic probe that will search for life on the 'Red Planet'.
For more information: Franco Bonacina
ESA Spokesman and Head of Media Relations Office
Communications and Knowledge Department
Tel: + 33 (0)1 53 69 72 99
E-mail: franco.bonacina @ esa.int
| |
|  | Ministerial Council 2008 Related news Ministers meet to define the role of space in delivering Europe's global objectivesESA prepares for November's Ministerial MeetingPress Conference Audio Listen to the Press Conference Press Conference Video Related links UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
|