Memorandum 44
Submission from BROHP (British Rocket
Oral History Programme)
WHAT IS
BROHP
BROHP is an organisation that was set up to
record the history of UK endeavours in Space. However, its remit
over the last 10 years has widened but remains centred on Education
and History.
BROHP SUBMISSION
1. Space is punching below its weight. In
attempts to construct a national narrative, a sense of who the
British are and that they can be proud of; UK achievement in Space
is notable by its absence. British children draw rockets with
the letters "USA" written on them. The UK has significant
achievements in space technology, astronomy and related fields.
These narratives need to be preserved and told.
2. We argue that there should be a National
archive established to collect papers, interviews and photographic
records. This archive can be exploited by researchers and the
media to tell a richer and more inspiring story of UK achievements
in space.
3. A good narrative about Space is a powerful
tool to inspire a younger generation of scientists, mathematicians
and engineers. There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence to
support the belief that Space can inspire children. However, we
would argue that there is a need for a rigorous statistical analysis
to measure the impact of initiatives such as Spaceport, ISSET,
NSSC and the Scottish Space School on children's aspirations,
attitudes and in particular of the up take of University places
in STEM subjects.
4. Space research and exploration is perhaps
the most inspiring of mankind's activities, and the Sir Arthur
Clarke Awards recognise and use this in two ways; by providing
recognition of the achievements of individuals and teams in this
area, and by showcasing these achievement to others, especially
young people. The awards are designed to recognise and reward
the best of UK space achievement and the breadth of nominations—which
come from the public—show thewide interest in the subject.
This should be exploited to help ensure that we have the scientists
and engineers to take up the challenge of future projects.
5. This submission does not permit a full
discussion on this subject. Therefore we would be very pleased
to make an oral presentation to the Committee.
6. We would like to extend an invitation
to the Committee and to its individual members to attend the 2007
BROHP conference, which runs from 12-14 April, and the Sir Arthur
Clarke Awards dinner on the 14. This will provide an excellent
opportunity for members of the Committee to interact with space
professionals, teachers, students and the general public. A debate
on UK space activity could be part of the conference programme.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That a National Space Archive be established.
2. That BNSC be given the resources for
a much larger public outreach and Education programme about Space.
3. That PPARC be tasked with initiating
a study of the effect of various Space education initiatives.
In particular the take up rates of places at University in STEM
subjects.
October 2006
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