How we got a Brit into space

Astronaut Tim Peake has inspired many Brits and space fans across the world - but the UK didn't support human space flight until 2010.

In this episode broadcaster Kim McAllister and space expert Dr Murray Collins talk to Lord David Willetts, arguably the architect of the UK space industry.

While in government as the Minister for Science, Lord Willetts renegotiated the UK's role in the European Space Agency - over breakfast in Naples! Listen to hear the full story.

The UK's new focus on space from 2010 also led to the establishment of incubation centres for space-related start-ups, so Kim and Murray spoke to Delyth Lloyd Edwards, business development manager at the European Space Agency's Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) to find out how companies are supported across the UK.


Great British Lift Off is a Connect production sponsored by The Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Data Driven Innovation Programme.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council part of UK Research and Innovation  is proud to co-sponsor The Great British Lift-off.
As well as leading on UK space missions, we support business-driven innovation, by opening our doors to companies of all sizes. We offer access to our facilities, equipment, expertise and networks to accelerate the route to market for new disruptive technologies up in space and down on earth. Your partner in space. 

For more about how we support business:

• Edinburgh: http://higgscentre.org/
• Harwell Space Cluster: https://www.harwellcampus.com/space-cluster/
• ESA BIC UK: esa-bic.org.uk

 Th Data Driven Innovation initiative is delivered by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. We are an innovation network helping organisations tackle challenges for industry and society by doing data right to support Edinburgh in its ambition to become the data capital of Europe.