Last Chance in Space
SIR,- I am glad that Lord Renwick in his article last week has told the dismal story of Britain's lost opportunities in space. Since the abandonment of Blue Streak as a military rocket, the record has been one of hesitation and indecision, Having raised the problem in Parliament for some years past. I have been dismayed by the manner in which succes- sivc governments have drifted along without any very clear aims. While we have got Blue Streak. Black. Arrow. Sky, Lark and some designs for satellites, there do not appear to .be any national plans for developing other forms . of rocket propulsion. Unless we create a space industry in Britain we will never, get our proper share in sub- sequent projects. We have nearly reached the stage of having to accept complete mastery in the field of satellite communications by the United States.
In present economic circumstances it is difficult to urge increased expenditure in this field. But if we wish to play any serious part in space communica- tions we will need to build our own system linked to our Commonwealth and European interests. otherwise we shall have no competitive position at all. We would need for this a pilot scheme based on Blue Streak and the further development of the Black Arrow vehicle for the launching of scientific satellites and the testing of space flight techniques. The Interplanetary Society recently urged the Government to increase the proportion spent on space research from 213 per cent to 5 per cent of its National Research and Development budget. This would only just bring Britain's space expenditure in line with that of France (about £20 million per annum). The revenue to be earned from improved communications in the long term would be of the greatest benefit to this country, in addition to the impetus it would give to industries associated with the manufacture of rockets and satellites.
Such a plan would nevertheless be 'impossible without overcoming another obstacle. This is the refusal of governments to set up some central , authority to co-ordinate space research and tech- nology. Surely a Space Corporation or Agency based on a joint participation between Government and industry is the answer?
House of Commons, SW
AIREY NEAVE
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