Working On The Moon And Mars Project, British Space Agency Disburses IDR 29.2 Billion

JAKARTA - The British Space Agency is planning to support space exploration using lunar and nuclear power resources, with the release of new funds.

Such projects could revolutionize the ability to travel farther into space, and even travel to Mars safely and efficiently.

The 1.6 million pounds sterling (Rp 29.2 billion) will be used to create long-range technology, space supplies, which can later support the lives of astronauts and spacecraft.

The technology could be used by scientists to run experiments on biological models in deep space far from Earth. They were able to better understand the effects of outer space on human health and began designing medical treatments for astronauts.

In addition, they will also test improved systems for recycling breathing gases while in space, and methods for extracting valuable resources, such as oxygen and metals, from Moon rock.

The other project, will see a new nuclear power process for propulsion. The funding is also aimed at eight projects through the Enabling Space Exploration fund on Mars Day, while celebrating innovation in space exploration and promoting career opportunities in the sector.

"The concept of exploring deeper into space, whether that means returning to the lunar surface through the Artemis program, or figuring out how we might travel to, and survive on, Mars and beyond is a global ambition that has grown since humans first forayed into space. space in the 1950s," said the CEO of the British Space Agency, Dr. Paul Bate.

"Supporting the technologies that deliver on these ambitions will help raise the international profile of the UK's space skills and expertise."

Bate added, they not only naturally opened up business opportunities along the supply chain, but also helped inspire young people to consider possible careers in space without having to leave the UK.

"This is a very exciting time for the space exploration sector, and I look forward to seeing how far the results of this project will go," said Bate, as quoted from the UK government website, Wednesday, March 8.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in charge of Outer Space in the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology, George Freeman, said space was the final frontier, a laboratory and a testing ground for technology.

"Britain's long history of leadership in space science and exploration is key to understanding our solar system and the origins of life, and creating opportunities for our high-growth SpaceTech sector," said Freeman.

"Today's funding is part of the government's strategy to use our £5 billion investment in space science and technology to develop the £16.5 billion commercial space sector to create the businesses, jobs, and opportunities of the future, as well as space clusters from Cornwall to Scotland," he added.

At a meeting of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Council of Ministers in November last year, the government pledged £1.84 billion for important space programmes, including commitments to the British-made Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover project, which will launch to Mars in 2028.