Boris Johnson pushes “Galactic Britain” to enter the UK into the space race

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined plans for a “Galactic Britain”. As the modern space race kicks off, spearheaded by the likes of Musk and Bezos, Britain would've been left behind. However, plans are reportedly in place to keep the island nation up with the evolving technology.

Johnson — a figurehead behind the lies-filled Brexit campaign, has pledged to help Britain explore the stars. The Prime Minister — who consistently announces things and never follows through on them — doesn't want Britain to stay “earthbound”.

Boris Johnson announces Galactic Britain

Boris Johnson unveiled the United Kingdom’s “ambitions for the UK in space”. The UK has historically shied away from space outside of satellites. Famously, in 1999, the United Kingdom decided not to help fund the International Space Station. At the time, the prospect of space exploration was seen as “not worth” the cost.

However, as the modern space race is more a pursuit of rich-kid tourism, the UK’s Tory party is interested. With tourist space travel estimated to be worth over $20 billion, it’s no surprise Johnson is all over it.

Johnson explains that “global Britain”, which hasn't existed in decades, will become “Galactic Britain”. The Prime Minister wants the notice initiative to put “the UK firmly in the front rank of the global space industry”.

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Britain will launch satellites

The buzzword of Galactic Britain appears to be just that. Johnson’s wish for Britain to launch its first “rocket” next year will not be keeping up with the likes of SpaceX. Instead, the country will be launching satellites, just like it did during the last space race.

Next year, Cornwall and Scotland will see small launches of payloads into space. They'll include: “satellites, spacecraft, highly complex payloads, end-to-end satellite service delivery, satellite communications, and high-end navigation systems”.

Afterwards, the UK will begin its infrastructure for “in-orbit servicing, space travel and habitation, and active debris removal”. However, by that point, private companies will likely already be well ahead. As it turns out, Britain’s history does repeat itself.

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