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The report says that the UK should play a central role in future manned space missions to the moon and Mars.
Dr Ian Crawford, a planetary scientist at Birkbeck College London, and one of the authors of the report, said:
“The scientific case for sending humans to space is very strong. Humans are incredibly efficient at exploring planet surfaces, for example the Apollo astronauts exploring the moon surface discovered more in 3 days than the Mars robots have achieved in 3 years. Humans are also able to repair and upgrade the large space telescopes, and by studying the effects of zero gravity on humans in space advances may be made in biology and medicine.
“This report is the most detailed study ever conducted into whether the UK should be involved in manned space travel. To date the UK has chosen not to do so, but in May this year, along with 14 other world space agencies, the UK signed up to the Global Exploration Strategy, committing us to a future in space exploration. This report sets out not only the very strong scientific case for participation, but also the social, industrial, educational and political benefits that participation in human space exploration will bring. “
Dr Andrew Coates, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London, said:
“Robotic exploration of space is a much more cost-effective way of exploring than using humans – and is the only way to explore beyond Mars. If new money were available now, we should boost this type of exploration and make sure the UK is well represented in future missions. But in the future I can see a need for human exploration of the Moon and Mars, as there are some scientific questions that can only be answered that way – and of course it is hugely inspirational. The UK has a lot of strengths in space science, in instrumentation and in industry. New money would be needed for possible future human exploration as unmanned programmes are highly important scientifically and must not be threatened.”