UK-Russia Space Year 2011 to highlight benefits of space research

With the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic voyage into outer space this April, the British and Russian governments have declared 2011 the UK-Russia Year of Space in a bid to promote the benefits of space research in both countries.

The joint agreement foresees the sharing of expertise, knowledge and innovation between Russia and the UK, and will showcase the benefits of space research conducted by both governmental and academic bodies in the two countries. 

During the official launch of the agreement at the British embassy in Moscow on February 22, UK Minister for Universities and Science David Willets noted the history of cooperation in the field and called for a reinforced partnership in space science and research. “The UK-Russia Year of Space 2011 is a fantastic opportunity to do just that,” he said.

The year-long program includes the following highlights:

• Space Science Cafes – A series of lectures hosted by the British Embassy in Russia will be delivered by senior space scientists from both countries throughout the year.
• “First Orbit” – The British Embassy will screen a film depicting a Gagarin’s-eye-view of the first space flight.
• Sergei Korolev - The Royal Shakespeare Company will perform a play based on the life of the Soviet rocket engineer whose work led to the successful launch of the first man-made satellite, Sputnik, in 1957.
• Space for All – Program with award schemes from the UK Space Agency that encourages individuals and organizations work on innovative projects that benefit the agency, specifically aimed at young students in secondary schools and universities.
• Rockets for Yuri – An event by the YuriGagarin50 initiative that will encourage people across the UK to participate in mass rocket launchings of air and water powered crafts to mark the 50th anniversary of the day Gagarin became the first man in space, on April 12, 2011.
• Sculpture of Gagarin to be installed in London – Roscosmos will present a sculpture of Gagarin on July 14, to mark the occasion when Gagarin was officially welcomed to the UK by then-Prime Minister Harold McMillan.
• Fluid study – Kingston University and Roscosmos will partner on a study that examines fluid behavior in microgravity, which will take place on the International Space Station.
• Space crew study – To run concurrently to the fluid study, University College of London and the Russian Institute of Medical and Biological Problems will monitor the psychological behavior of crews while aboard the international space station.