Prof. John Zarnecki of the Planetary & Space Sciences Research Institute at the Open University, a key member of the Task Group initiated by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council [PPARC] to evaluate the science case for UK involvement, said," Understanding how readily life can evolve in the Universe and determining how common are environments that could support life is of profound scientific and philosophical importance. What's more UK scientists can add real value to this programme and take a lead role in many aspects. Aurora will deliver world-class science. Not to be involved would ring the death knell for the UK planetary space science community".

Beyond the immediate science case for the UK's involvement Dr. Sarah Dunkin from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Vice President of the Royal Astronomical Society warned the audience of the impact on current and future generations of scientists. "There's a real and present danger that our younger scientists will simply up sticks and move to other countries that are involved". Dunkin added," Perhaps of even more significance is the impact on the next generation of scientists - pupils at school right now. It's an accepted fact that space has an inspirational effect on children, enthusing them to pursue further education in science and technology and eventually full-time careers. Removing that inspiration factor would be a real turn-off".

The potential for UK industry will be strongly argued by Dr. Mike Healy, Director Earth Observation, Navigation and Science at EADS Astrium. "Like our science colleagues UK industry can make a significant contribution to Aurora. We have acknowledged leadership in entry, descent and landing systems and these will be key technologies required for Aurora. Not to capitalise on such technology would be a complete waste of all the expertise that went into the Beagle and [Cassini] Huygens Landers".

ESA conducted a 'Phase A' study programme, to which the UK contributed through the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council [PPARC], which aimed to identify the early missions and likely technology requirements of Aurora. ESA is now requesting additional funding of 39M Euro from member states to sustain the programme over the next 18 months and a decision is required by 30 September 2004. Member states, including the UK, will have to decide whether to participate in the full Aurora programme by the next ESA Ministerial meeting planned for June 2005.

Commenting on the prospect of the UK becoming involved in Aurora Prof. Ian Halliday, PPARC Chief Executive said," The science case for Aurora is very strong, as acknowledged by PPARC's Science Committee. But we [PPARC] do not have unlimited funds and we have to tension this against other science priorities. To participate in Aurora at a level that would capitalise on the technology leadership we have gained through missions such as Beagle will require government support. Time is not on our side, we need to decide pretty soon, otherwise our expertise will be eroded and we will be overtaken by others".

PPARC Aurora programme, see

http://www.aurora.rl.ac.uk/Default.htm

ESA Aurora programme, see

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Aurora/index.html