Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, Monica Grady, drafted this letter in response to the article “Boldly Gone”, which was published in The Times on Friday 18 December 2015.
Sir,
It was my privilege to be in Baikonur to observe Major Tim Peake’s launch into space— not just another European Space Agency astronaut, but the first from the UK. I was struck by the extent of media coverage at the launch. Tim was asked many questions, and behind his answers was a clear understanding of, and commitment to, one of the benefits of his selection: providing inspiration for the coming generation of scientists and engineers.
Of course, as stated in your leader “Boldly Gone” (Dec 16), space exploration must provide a return on investment, but there is more than one way of achieving this. For the UK to build its economy, create jobs and retain its position in the front ranks of world leadership we need a scientifically literate citizenry. Only then will we be able to develop the new technologies required for future advances in communications, health and transport, etc. Education is key to this process. With Tim Peake as a role model, our school-aged cohort of future scientists and engineers has a wonderful example of what they too might achieve.
Monica M Grady
Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, The Open University
Photo by Gwydion M. Williams 
Photo by bisgovuk
