Science Correspondent James Wilkinson reports exclusively on Britain's steps into space

To date, Britain has made virtually no contribution to the multi-billion pound project and the move marks a sharp reversal of Britain's policy on manned space exploration.

It has for more than a decade opted out of the European space programme, but the about-turn is thought to have been triggered by the presence of British-born Nasa astronaut Michael Foale on the troubled Russian space station Mir in 1997.

Michael Foale: Huge public interest after near disaster on Mir

Massive public interest prompted the government to ask Nasa about the possibility of having a British astronaut trained in the US.

But to get a Briton onto the International Space Station, Britain would need to become more involved with the project.

One suggestion for closer involvement is that the UK provide special engines which would keep the station from drifting back to Earth.

Science and engineering

Space scientist Professor Heinz Wolf said he was delighted preliminary talks had taken place.

Professor Heinz Wolff: It could upset other European nations

"I think it might change the attitude of the country as a whole to science and technology, which is viewed in a rather negative sense these days," he said.

"If this steers more people to think and to train and to encourage children to go into science and engineering, this cannot be but of advantage to the country."

The government says that the talks are still at an early stage, but Space Minister Lord Sainsbury said the prospect of a British astronaut was a real possibility.

He said: "If the right project comes, we'll go for it. I wouldn't say it's absolutely top priority but there is a real chance that it might happen."

Serious row

There is no money as yet to pay for a British astronaut. But the fact that it is being discussed at all indicates a major shift in Britain's attitude to space flight.

The engines could provide a way into space for Britain

However, the news is likely to annoy other European nations who have been critical of the UK's lack of support for the European Space Agency (ESA).

Professor Wolff warned of a serious row if a Briton got on the space station before the astronauts now going through ESA's training programme.

"ESA astronauts aren't due to fly, possibly, until 2002," he said. "If they were pipped by a British astronaut, I think there would be a bursting of blood vessels.

Britain's first unofficial astronaut was Helen Sharman. She was trained by the Russians and visited Mir in 1991 as part of a privately funded scheme.

She was enthusiastic at the prospect: "I think it's right and very timely that we should have a proper British astronaut now."