In September 2006 the Royal Society submitted evidence to House of Commons science and technology select committee inquiry on UK space policy.
The key points raised included:
A co-ordinating body with a much more proactive role, such as a UK Space Agency, is needed if there is to be greater involvement with international bodies and initiatives that could bring benefits to the UK space community.
A UK Space Agency should cover both science and applications, and would need to have a balanced representation of academia, industry and overseas partners.
The UK's low level of involvement with the European Space Agency could compromise the UK taking a leading role developing technologies for European missions; the scope for commercial exploitation of these technologies; and the standing of the UK space science community.
UK space science requires a strong skills base and a healthy and sustainable pool of research scientists to ensure the UK space science community retains its world class reputation in the long term.