UK minister to tackle space spectrum

The new UK science minister David Willetts says he will tackle the issue of access to spectrum to enable the development of new satellite services.

The BBC report that speaking after chairing the UK Space Leadership Council, which advises government on space matters, he promised to tackle regulation issues, such as the access to spectrum that enabled companies to develop new satellite services.

He highlighted the role satellites could play in climate monitoring, and in providing universal access to broadband internet. And he said he wanted to see the UK take part in the emerging global space tourism business.

"I personally would love to see Virgin Galactic being launched from the UK," Mr Willetts said.

Read the full BBC story 'Coalition wants UK space lift-off' at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/science_and_environment/
10176761.stm