UK inks space research deal with Russia

The UK government signed a space science research agreement with Russia in Moscow today.

Various experiments will be undertaken in what the two countries have tagged 'UK-Russia Year of Space 2011'. Catchy.

“The UK plays an important role in space science and research throughout the world," said Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts. "Only a few weeks ago cameras engineered by British scientists in the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory were used by NASA to take the first 360° view of the Sun.

“We need to continue to share this knowledge and expertise, and the UK Russia Year of Space 2011 is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. We already have a history of space research collaboration with Russia, and I hope this partnership will lead to more groundbreaking work for years to come.”

The collaboration programme between the two countries will include a psychological study concerning crew behaviour in space conducted by the University College London and the Institute of Media and Biological Problems in Russia.

Excitingly for some British and Russian kids, Kingston University and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) will look at how fluids behave in microgravity, with research being carried out simultaneously onboard the International Space Station and in schools.

So-called 'Space Science Cafes' are also planned over the next year to bring together senior UK and Russian space boffins to discuss future priority areas of research.

This way for more details about the 'Year of Space'. ®