Space shuttle failures bolster British policy

Article Abstract:

Manned space flights provide publicity but UK officials rejected their value in 1988, preferring earth observation satellites. The Discovery shuttle was recalled from relaunch at countdown on Tuesday Apr 06, 1993. The Columbia shuttle launch failed two weeks earlier. The technology of shuttle launches was designed 20 years ago, so most launches have problems. Director of space policy at the Federation of American Scientists John Pike predicts a shuttle disaster because of technical problems and would like it discarded, but does not wish manned space flights to end.

Science and technology policy, Manned space flight, Space shuttles, Space technology, Space shuttle launching

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Are hot rocks nothing but damp squibs?

Article Abstract:

A hot rocks project in Cornwall forms part of the UK's geothermal energy scheme. In this project water is forced downwards through holes in the rocks and becomes hot. This hot water is subsequently forced back up to the surface. Britain's hot rocks should supply sufficient energy to provide around 10% of its electricity. A three-way European project is now planned and will be based, depending on suitability, in the UK, France or Germany. Problems extracting energy from hot rocks have been encountered worldwide.

United Kingdom, Energy policy, Geothermal power plants

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Onus on government to do more

Article Abstract:

Environmental group Friends of the Earth (FoE) uses Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to examine the causes of pollution problems. GIS displays data from several sources on one screen and can superimpose other information. FoE put a year's National Rivers Authority data on GIS. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives the public access to the results of monitoring emissions to air and water, but the government only provides raw data without analysis.

Usage, Surveys, Information services, Geographic information systems, Environmental monitoring, United Kingdom. National Rivers Authority, Friends of the Earth

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