An international space facility will be created at Harwell, the Government announced today.

The centre is part of initiatives published in the UK Civil Space Strategy: 2008-2012 designed to put Britain at the cutting-edge of space technology. The south Oxfordshire facility would focus on climate change and space exploration using robots, as well as creating technologies which could be used in space. Rutherford Appleton Laboratory space scientist Jeremy Curtis said: "We are optimistic and excited about the possibilities of having this facility at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. It would be internationally important and really good for increasing the profile of space in Oxfordshire."

Mr Curtis said it would create jobs in the county, but it was too early to tell how many at this stage.

Science and innovation Minister Ian Pearson said: "Space technology is a vital part of our everyday life and satellite communications and space technology provide strong business opportunities for the future."

The new report has restarted the debate on whether Britain should review the decision not to take part in human space missions.