Call for more UK space science

A physiologist who believes space-based research would help scientists more quickly discover treatments for bone and muscle wasting diseases is urging Britain to actively participate in the Paris-based European Space Agency's (ESA) human spaceflight program.

Michael J. Rennie, of the University of Nottingham's School of Biomedical Sciences, told The Scientist that lack of participation by Britain effectively bars UK scientists from participating in space-based research.

"My mission in life at the moment is to stop people from wasting away as they grow older," Rennie said, adding that being effectively barred from using ESA space platforms is frustrating.

Dieter Isakeit, head of the Erasmus User Centre and the communication office at the ESA's Directorate of Human Spaceflight, confirmed to The Scientist that winning a research slot is unlikely for scientists from the five ESA member nations not participating in the agency's human spaceflight program. Those nations are the United...