UK in ELIPS-4 Andrew Kuh Microgravity Programme Manager UK Space Agency
ELIPS overview European Life and Physical Sciences UK 16M subscription ¼GDP share Research on the International Space Station and analogue platforms (drop tower, parabolic flights, centrifuge, bedrest etc) Provides access to facilities for experiments in space environments the main effects being extremely low gravity, isolation and radiation
1.2B Investment in ESA 2013-16 General Budget (studies, low TRL technology, tech transfer, data preservation, education) + CSG 16.6% navigation satellite technology (EGEP) 1.7% life & physical sciences (ELIPS) 1.2% Space Science 31.3% telecoms technology (ARTES) 15.6% human spaceflight technology 1.6% Space weather (SSA) 0.6% mid-trl technology (GSTP) 2.7% robotic exploration technology (MREP-2) 1.7% GMES Space Component 3 + Climate Change Initiative 3.0% MetOp 2G 7.9% Core Earth observation science and technology (EOEP) 16.1% New UK Commitments at ESA Ministerial 2012
A small share of the total UK contribution to ESA (1.2% of UK subs) but high profile Minister was convinced of potential; task now is to ensure maximum return economic and scientific Requires coordination and cooperation across agencies, funding bodies etc The priority for ELIPS is enabling science excellence for Europe. This takes precedence over all else (cf. other space programmes ) The UK now has the opportunity to influence how that is achieved
International Space Station UK also made a one-off 20M contribution to the ISS Exploitation programme
ELIPS Research Components Focused Fundamental Research Fundamental Physics Fluid and Interface Physics Combustion Physics Material Sciences Astrobiology Human Physiology and Performance in Space Applied Research: diagnostics and novel treatments for age-related diseases biotechnological solutions lightweight and advanced materials energy and waste saving processes advanced heat transfer processes environment monitoring and control Industry-driven R&D and technology demonstrations Enabling Research for Human Exploration (ground-based analogues and ISTAR/Mars500-ISS): Human research and space risks mitigation On-orbit analysis technologies Novel materials and on-orbit synthesis processes 1500 European scientists involved in approximately 260 investigations within current ELIPS programme.
Involvement of Research Councils Discussions were held with each RC prior to the ESA Council of Ministers, to ascertain level of interest. Strong interest from research communities supported by BBSRC and EPSRC biomedicine and materials. BBSRC have committed funding to research on ageing using ELIPS facilities. NERC- and MRC-funded researchers may have some interest, but these RCs have other priorities STFC?
CASE STUDY: ACES Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space The most precise measurement of time with stability better than 10-16 range. ACES will be used to: test Einstein s general relativity and alternative theories of gravitation demonstrate a new type of 'relativistic geodesy' resolving differences in the Earth gravitational potential at the level of tens of centimetres contribute to the improvement of the global navigation satellite systems and their future evolutions contribute to the monitoring of the Earth atmosphere through radiooccultation experiments. perform space-to-ground and ground-to-ground comparisons of best available atomic frequency standards.
Two potential routes to getting UK researchers involved: New, UK-led experiments: Current programme already very full Under-subscription to programme envelope means ESA are focussing on existing projects rather than new ones Long lead-time to implementation on many platforms (less so on PF and Drop Tower) Involvement on existing experiments: Iff the current PI and ESA are seeking additional partners - So, this opportunity is not without its challenges!
1,000,001 There are one million and one interesting things one could do in space There are significantly fewer things that will be possible: Scientist s research interests Funders Priorities Research community UK Space Agency ESA programme + technical constraints
Measures of success Increased base of expertise with 60 scientists/engineers involved in the programme 50% of projects to have industry-academia collaboration Increased involvement in, and leadership of, Topical Teams A balance of quick wins and longer term goals needed: Subscription to ELIPS-5 depends on success in ELIPS-4 Success in ELIPS-5 will depend upon planning now
Conclusions The good news: UK Space Agency has no funding priorities our interest is in securing the maximum scientific return, wherever this may come from The bad news: UK Space Agency has no funding (for science exploitation) this must come from elsewhere What we can do: Keep ESA informed about UK research community strengths and goals, through: formal oversight role on programme boards etc and informal contact with ESA Executive Keep UK research community informed about opportunities; aid networking and events like today s Liaise with RCs and other funders to make sure they understand (and trust) ESA processes Advise applicants through the proposal process
Andrew Kuh National Exploration and Microgravity Programme Manager andrew.kuh@ukspaceagency.bis.gsi.gov.uk bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency @spacegovuk