Watch this space

Ask anyone about the space sector and they will no doubt mention the Apollo missions, Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. But while manned exploration is now on ice, testing the limits of what engineering in space can do for mankind is an area that continues to thrive.

Within this development, a number of British companies are using the cosmos to build on and improve the everyday technologies we take for granted, such as digital television and satnav systems.

The British space sector employs more than 60,000 people and contributes about £7bn to the UK's economy. In February Ian Pearson, science and innovation minister, announced the establishment of an international space facility at Harwell, Oxfordshire, which will focus on climate change, robotic space exploration and applications.

There will also be closer involvement in international initiatives on the future shape of space exploration to the moon, Mars and beyond, while a National Space Technology Programme will be established to support the development of innovative technologies and services.