U.K. Establishing New Space Agency

[Satellite TODAY 12-14-09] The United Kingdom will create a new executive space and satellite agency, the U.K. Science and Innovation Ministry announced Dec. 10.
    The agency will replace the British National Space Center and bring together six government departments, two research councils, the Technology Strategy Board and the Met Office that currently oversee the organization of U.K. space activities. 
    The U.K. space and satellite sector contributes 6.5 billion pounds ($10.58 billion) a year to the national economy and supports 68,000 jobs.
    “Establishing a U.K. space agency reinforces the government’s commitment to be at the cutting edge of innovation and science. Satellite telecommunications and applications affect all our daily lives. They provide high-tech [research and development] and job opportunities which play an important role in the growth of the U.K. economy,” Ian Pearson MP, U.K. economic secretary, said in a statement.