The partnership is another step toward outsourcing for NASA, which no longer enjoys the budget and public profile of its heyday.

NPR: Space Station To Get $18 Million Balloon-Like Room

Mr Milburn - whose conference address will be his first high-profile speech to the members of the medical profession since the Budget - is also said to favour the money being spent on training new staff, replacing outdated equipment and replacing old technology.

BBC: Alan Milburn, UK Health Secretary