From the origin of species to outer space; a Pembrokeshire-led science project is celebrating as it forges links with NASA to continue Darwin’s voyages of discovery.

The Lawrenny-based HMS Beagle Trust aims to build a modern seagoing version of Darwin’s famous ship, The Beagle, and, using information fed down from the International Space Station, shed some light on the forces affecting the planet.

Linking the earth-bound findings of the vessel to the observations and pictures of the orbiting space station, the team hopes to make discoveries which will rival those made on Darwin’s 19th century voyages.

David Lort-Phillips, the man behind the Pembrokeshire Beagle Project, said the relationship between the American space agency and his ambitious scheme — officially announced by NASA last week — was “out of this world”.

“There is no other organisation which could give us the detailed pictures of the areas the ship will visit from space. It’s excellent news for the project,” he added.

As a director of the Pembrokeshire College based Darwin Centre, Mr Lort-Phillips was inspired to take up the Beagle project for the benefit of budding scientists.

Observations and discoveries made on the ship’s voyages will be instantly available to classrooms and laboratories around the world in real time and via video presentations.

He also has a more personal connection to The Beagle, as his ancestor, John Lort Stokes, from Scotchwell, Haverfordwest, served on the ship for 18 years, sailing on all three of her surveying voyages and becoming the vessel’s last commander.

The Beagle will be built on a site offered by the Milford Haven Port Authority in either Milford Haven or Pembroke Dock, starting next year, with financial assistance from Chevron. With the links to the Darwin Centre, there will be exciting opportunities for local participation.