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Astrium welcomes UK Civil Space Strategy

• Recognises contribution of UK space industry to the economy
• Recognises the value of space to understanding our planet
• Recognition of satellites as part of critical national infrastructure

Stevenage, 14 February 2008

Astrium, Britain’s largest space company employing more than 2,500 scientists, engineers and technicians, welcomes the publication of the UK Civil Space Strategy for 2008-2012.

Colin Paynter, Astrium’s UK Managing Director said: “The UK’s Civil Space Strategy highlights the vital economic contribution made by the UK’s world leading space industry currently £7bn a year – and recognises the increasingly crucial role that satellites play as part of the national infrastructure. Fifty years after the launch of Sputnik the world is on the verge of a new space race and with the continued support of the Government, Britain is ideally placed to contribute even further.

“Technologies and systems developed by Astrium in the UK are at the heart of some of the world’s most sophisticated civil and military telecommunications satellites, state-of-the-art spacecraft monitoring climate change, and missions to explore other words in our solar system. The strategy’s renewed commitment to back the UK space industry should ensure an even greater economic contribution to the economy and ambitious space programmes which will in turn help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“We particularly welcome the commitment to the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programme within the European Space Agency (ESA). ARTES has been, and is, vital to maintaining the UK’s position through Astrium as one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of satellite telecommunication technology. Astrium’s innovative payload technology is at the heart of many of the world’s most advanced satellites including the Inmarsat 4 series which provide broadband speed internet connectivity from space.

“The creation of a National Space Technology Programme (NSTP) to support innovative applications and services is also welcomed. Many new ideas for space applications and services fail in the early development phase due to a lack of funding. We hope that the establishment of the NSTP programme will enable truly innovative and disruptive technologies to progress to fruition bringing with them significant benefits to society at large.

“The Space Strategy builds on “The Case for Space” prepared by UK Space, the industry partners, in highlighting the value of the UK space industry to the economy. The campaign for “The Case for Space” will continue – identifying the benefits and contributions made to the economy and society of one of Britain’s most value-added sectors.”

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2006, Astrium had a turnover of €3.2 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are: Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services. In the UK Astrium employs more than 2,500 scientists, engineers and technicians.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of €39.4 billion and employed a workforce of more than 116, 000.

Media Contact:

Jeremy Close
Astrium UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1438 77 3872