An international space facility will be created at Harwell, the government announced today.
The new facility is part of a package of initiatives planned to ensure the UK remains at the cutting edge of space technology.
The south Oxfordshire-based facility will focus on climate change and space exploration using robots.
Ian Pearson, science and innovation minister, said: "The Government is determined the UK remains at the forefront of the evolving space scene."
The report will re-open the debate on whether Britain should send astronauts into space.
The British National Space Centre (BNSC) will lead the examination into the possibility of British-manned missions and the country's existing strengths in robotic exploration.
Mr Pearson added: "Space technology is a vital part of our everyday life and satellite communications and space technology provide strong business opportunities for the future."
The space sector currently contributes about £7 billion to the UK economy.
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