ESA    Life in Space    Expanding Frontiers    Improving Daily Life    Protecting the Environment    Benefits for Europe  
   
Media Centre
Press ReleasesESA TelevisionLaunch Media CornerExhibitions
Services
CalendarPublicationsFrequently asked questionsESA-sponsored ConferencesHelpSite CreditsPortal terms of useCommentsSubscribe Bookmark and Share
 
 
 
 
 
printer friendly page
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
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
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 2008ESA Council Meeting
Related news
Ministers meet to define the role of space in delivering Europe's global objectivesESA prepares for November's Ministerial Meeting
Press Conference Audio
Listen to the Press Conference Press Conference VideoESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level
Related links
UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
 
 
 
   Copyright 2000 - 2010 © European Space Agency. All rights reserved.