One small step for a Briton to walk on Moon

BRITONS are a step closer to walking on the Moon after Chris Skidmore, the science minister, announced a new partnership between the UK Space Agency and Nasa.

On the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11, the space agencies signed a “statement of intent” agreeing to work together on a future lunar mission.

Mike Pence, the US vicepresident, has already committed Nasa to landing on the Moon within the next five years and the collaboration could result in British technology being used in satellite communication and navigation services on the lunar surface.

But Mr Skidmore said he would eventually like to see a Briton on the Moon, as well as the development of a national space programme.

Speaking of putting a Briton on the Moon, he said: “I would hope one day that something like that will be possible.

“The first priority is around Earth observation and working on getting Tim Peake back up to the International Space Station.

“But we know that today’s announcement with Nasa provides for a wider international context and allows for future participation so it paves the way for that.

“There are significant opportunities for collaborations between the UK and US over the next 50 years, and this statement of intent is a welcome step towards future missions.”

The new agreement establishes a working group, which will come up with new ideas of how the two can co -operate by the end of the year.

Mr Skidmore said the agreement will not stop Britain being a committed member of the European Space Agency, and playing a major role in missions such as Solar Orbiter and Exomars, both due to launch in 2020.

Graham Turncock, of the UK Space Agency said: “International collaboration is at the heart of space exploration and we want to work with partners around the world to deliver incredible science, develop innovative technologies and explore the solar system.

“The UK Space Agency and Nasa are already working on missions such as the Mars Insight lander, but there is so much more we can achieve together in the new space age.”