§ 43. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the progress with electrical propulsion for satellites.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Technology (Mr. John Stonehouse)The first experimental model of an electrical thruster has been made at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and preliminary testing will start shortly. Initial research work is being carried out on very low thrust electrical units suitable for maintaining the orientation of a satellite in orbit.
§ Mr. MartenCan the Minister say whether there is a firm development programme for this project and how much money is involved in it?
Mr. StorehouseYes, there is a development programme on the initial research work. I cannot say exactly how much is being spent on this part of the research as it comes in a wider programme which is costing £3 million a year.