Britain announced today

That it is to develope it's own space agency with the plan being manned missions into space within the next decade.

I find this very exciting as it could give us Irish a chance to witness space craft launches either from home or to travel across the water to be there on launch day.

? so you think they''ll be launching from Manchester, ?? not likely.
Like ESA, they'll launch somewhere nearer the equator if they have any sense, and besides, why bother, whats wrong with ESA ??

The report didnt go into too much detail. I would HOPE the launch pad is in the UK..................but then again.................given the average weather conditions in the UK.......................probably NOT.

I hadnt considered the weather when i posted. Its a big factor in any launch.

Nothing wrong with the ESA. But i think the British (as a former colonial superpower) are kinda feeling left behind and want to show their strength.

? so you think they''ll be launching from Manchester, ?? not likely.
Like ESA, they'll launch somewhere nearer the equator if they have any sense, and besides, why bother, whats wrong with ESA ??

Let's hope its not Manchester. Chances are the craft will be prepared for launch only for the engineers to later find it propped up on a few bricks, engines gone and copper wire stripped out...

The train station at Wigan would be better - that areas needs flattening...

That it is to develope it's own space agency with the plan being manned missions into space within the next decade.

They already have a space agency, well they have a department that gives some money to ESA and distributes the rest to science groups. I take it so that the review of their 20 year old decision not to do manned space flight is out then?

Silly idea for a little country to do on its own. Stop being so British and help out more with ESA. Oh and join the euro too. Empire is gone - deal with it already!

They wont launch from the UK anyway. Apart from worrying about the fuel getting siphoned from the tank and ending up on bricks, they will be able to use French Guiana. It's the equatorial location more than the weather; and the French will no doubt get great amusement at being so critical to the Brits.

Private industry will be there before them if they try.

? so you think they''ll be launching from Manchester, ?? not likely.
Like ESA, they'll launch somewhere nearer the equator if they have any sense, and besides, why bother, whats wrong with ESA ??

The train station at Wigan would be better - that areas needs flattening...

There is always Runcorn.........