Space race worth 18 bln USD to British economy: minister

Britain published Sunday its first ever National Space Policy, with a government minister quoting Star Trek's Mr Spock to support space exploration .

The new policy has been devised as Britain's first European Space Agency astronaut prepares for his historic launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on Dec. 15.

Britain's journey into space will be worth 18 billion U.S. dollars to the nation's economy, said Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid.

"Historically we haven't been a major player in space programs. This policy will change that because, in the words of my hero Mr Spock, to do anything else would be highly illogical," said Javid in a statement Sunday.

He said the policy will firmly place Britain on the global stage for future space programs.

A spokesman for his department said with Britain aiming to become the European hub for commercial spaceflight and related space sector technologies, the new policy sets out the government's vision to capture a greater share of the world's thriving space market.

"Working across Britain in partnership with the rapidly growing sector, the country's 'One Nation policy' will ensure the UK seizes opportunities to deliver new business opportunities, create jobs and push the boundaries of our understanding of space," said the spokesman.

Secretary Javid added: "For decades mankind has dreamt of space travel and the final frontier, and from today the UK will trigger the next scientific and innovation revolution to turn science fiction in to science fact. Not only are we celebrating the launch of the first UK Government-backed astronaut, but our first ever space policy will build on the inspiration he provides to grow our burgeoning space industry and bring space back down to Earth."

He said space industry involvement will support numerous vital services like disaster relief, defense and transport.

The government, he added, is committed to growing British commercial space sector -- with an ambition to capture 10 percent of the global market supporting 100,000 new jobs and generating over 60 billion U.S. dollars for the British economy by 2030.

The new National Space Policy supports the government's new investments in areas such as human spaceflight and microgravity research as space becomes an increasingly essential part of daily lives and a huge success story for Britain.

The policy commits the government's use of space to four key principles. These include recognition that space is of strategic importance to Britain because of the value space programs deliver to public services, national security, science and innovation and the economy. Endit