The UK is again likely to be left on the launch-pad when the 14-country European Space Agency (Esa) meets in Brussels to discuss a number of major space initiatives.

BBC Science Correspondent Sue Nelson: How money carries influence at Esa

While the rest of Europe is committed to prestige projects such as the International Space Station (ISS), the UK still refuses to fund programmes it believes has minimal scientific value.

So, while the British Government will go into the Esa meeting saying it is an enthusiastic supporter of the agency's space projects, it is unlikely to commit major new funds.

However, the UK Science Minister Lord Sainsbury will say that the country wants to play a leading role in developing a global satellite navigation system.

A technology too late

This is a much criticised project. Esa's plans have been dismissed by airlines who say it would simply duplicate the US global positioning system already in operation.

Lord Sainsbury: More commercial outlook needed

Nevertheless, four large European space companies are planning to invest their own money in developing the technology. Called the Galileo project, it will involve DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Munich, Alcatal of Paris, Matra-Marconi of Paris and Alenia Aerospazio of Rome.

These companies think that a European-developed system can be profitable even though the US is providing its system for free.

Lord Sainsbury will also offer backing to Europe's space Industries' involvement in digital and multimedia broadcasting. But he will again make the point that Esa should move away from national prestige projects to ones that have more commercial value.

Beagle chasing funds

The one exception could be the Beagle 2 Mars lander.

Lord Sainsbury: Beagle is good science

This is a UK-led project to attach a lander to the forthcoming Esa Mars Express mission. Beagle 2 will land on the surface of Mars and sample the soil and rocks looking for signs of life.

Speaking from Brussels, Lord Sainsbury said he was "very supportive" of the project but, in a BBC interview, repeatedly refused to commit any government contribution to the estimated £25 million cost of the project.

"We'll play our part but obviously it's got to be taken against other priorities," he said.

Earlier this year, Esa extended the deadline for Beagle to raise the money it needs, saying that it all had to come from the supporters of the project. But Lord Sainsbury is hoping that Esa can find some funding. "Esa has to spend its own money," he added.

'Photocopier' engineering

The previous Conservative government was lukewarm about many Esa projects and refused to take part in efforts to develop an independent, manned space programme.

Beagle will release a mole that will dig into the Martian soil

In retrospect, this was a wise decision as Esa's Hermes manned space programme was later cancelled. It was too ambitious and costly.

Now, Esa is a major partner in the International Space Station (ISS). And, once again, the UK is sitting on the sidelines with only minimal involvement.

Such a stance, as many critics have pointed out, limits the UK's influence in Esa. What is more, concentrating purely on the commercial projects, with their uncertain future and chequered history, does not inspire young engineers to go into the space business.

Without the inspiration and attraction of prestige projects, such as the ISS and the manned space programme, space engineering has as much appeal as making photocopiers.