British-born astronauts Helen Sharman and Richard Garriott were honoured yesterday in a ceremony at the British Interplanetary Society. Each was presented with a commemorative silver pin in a shape recalling the society's rocket logo. The award celebrated their achievements, and drew attention to the society's UK Human Spaceflight Campaign, which is lobbying for full British participation in the ESA manned programme.

"The government has to understand that the costs of human spaceflight are far outweighed by the benefits - the benefits of inspiration and of exploration," said Nick Spall, a BIS fellow and co-ordinator of the UK Human Spaceflight Campaign.

"We're also missing out industrially. Europe has been making a lot of gear for the space station; the Italians particularly. We believe there are lots of jobs out there.

"The rest of the world gets it - China and India know it; and our government should understand it, too."

• Honour given to 'UK astronauts' -- BBC News

Rocketeer comments: Many thanks indeed to the BIS Council, who were kind enough to invite me to the award ceremony. I hate to bite the hand that feeds, but... I have to say that as far as the UK Human Spaceflight Campaign is concerned, I'm in strong agreement with the what (unlike some of my professional colleagues, who are unconvinced of the value of human spaceflight), but I disagree with the how. More to follow...