First we extend our thanks to all who took part in the Frontiers community meeting in April, and to those who have submitted feedback. Second, we extend our apologies to the community for the delayed communication of the meeting proceedings and the subsequent abbreviated length of time for feedback. It had been our hope that Thematic Panel (TP) presentations would be shared immediately after the meeting – but because we had been using an official government communications platform, several clearance hurdles had to be
overcome, which was much slower than we had planned. This was not a failure by people, but of process. In future, communications will be from us, directly to our community via our mailing lists.

A further apology is directed to those who attended the community meeting virtually, as one of the on-line breakout rooms experienced technical difficulties and on-line participants were unable to upload questions or talk directly to the presenters. This was obviously a great frustration to participants and presenters alike, as it prevented ready discussion of the issues raised. We are uncertain as to how the problems came about, because we had rehearsed the links before the meeting started.

All three panels (Astro, Helio and Planetary) have received extensive feedback, most of which has been thoughtful, relevant and helpful: it is greatly appreciated and, wherever possible, will be incorporated into the TP and final reports. Unfortunately, some comments received strayed beyond legitimate criticism of the Frontiers process or the presentations to personal remarks directed at the presenters; these will not be included. We also received submissions that
were concerned that specific missions (including both ESA-led and non-ESA missions) had not been given sufficient consideration. This has possibly arisen because the panels were deliberating on science questions and identifying examples of missions that could support those questions. There was no deliberate intention to imply that missions were being ranked. The Steering Committee (SC) intends to ensure that all eligible missions will be included in the Final Report. There will be a specific Chapter on UK interests in the forthcoming selection of F3 and M8 mission proposals and on the down-selection of M7 missions.

Looking forward: the TPs will submit their reports to the SC w/c 18th May. The SC will then meet to consider the reports and identify any areas where clarification is required from the TPs. From then until the end of June, the SC will put together its Final Report, a draft of which will be delivered to the Sponsorship Group by mid-July. We anticipate making a summary presentation of this draft at NAM in Birmingham at the end of July. This will allow for an additional round of community feedback before the Final Report is delivered in September.

Once again – many thanks to everyone for your engagement with this process and the enthusiasm with which you have addressed the programme, despite the tight timelines.

UK Frontiers 2035 Steering Committee
Contact: UK Space Frontiers 2035 Delivery Team: spacefrontiers@ukspaceagency.gov.uk