Should there be a British space programme with British rockets and British astronauts? Piers Sellers, an American astronaut of British extraction has called for the government to fund manned spaceflight. He argues that a British astronaut will provide an example to encourage greater interest in space amongst schoolchildren and that this will prevent a threatened research deficit in British contributions to space science.
The UK does not support a manned space programme, even through the European Space Agency (Esa), of which it is a member, does.
Asked whether he would like to see Britain fund its own astronauts, he replied: "Yes I would.
"Most of the European member states participate in a manned programme and have astronauts in the programme. They are either working in Russia, Europe or the United States."
It is unclear whether the existence of astronauts in other European countries has proved of great cultural benefit. It is doubtful that they have inspired thousands of schoolchildren to consider becoming astronauts.
One could argue that scarce resources often force scientists to focus their research programmes more productively and often provide better results. The 'string and sealing wax' approach of the Cavendish laboratory during the interwar period is a fine example. Therefore, British efforts in space science are small-scale, useful and productive.
If manned spaceflight proves economic and profitable in the next two decades, British entrepreneurs or philanthropists will commence the necessary accumulation of capital and knowledge to send astronauts into orbit. Is there any point in wasting taxpayers money on space boondoggles which could retard the inevitable 'catch-up' phase, as we are not first movers in this sphere of endeavour? The answer, of course, is No!