US space agency, NASA is in talks with the Bermuda Government to have a mobile tracking facility on Cooper's Island.

US Consul Grace Shelton said the facility would not impact the Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, home to many longtail nests.

She added that NASA — the National Aeronautics and Space Administration — was interested in "temporary tracking activities" in Bermuda.

Nine years ago NASA closed its Bermuda station, which played a role in the US Apollo lunar programme as well as the Gemini and Skylab missions.

Since then the 77-acre island has been turned into a nature reserve with the help of donations from HSBC. Approximately 600 longtail bird nests have been observed there.

Premier Ewart Brown said he and US Attorney General Eric Holder talked last week about a NASA request to put a new tracking station at Cooper's Island.

This week Ms Shelton added: "NASA has a long history of cooperation and a very positive relationship with the Government of Bermuda.

"NASA is currently engaged in discussions with the Government of Bermuda regarding the establishment of a new government-to-government agreement to support temporary tracking activities at Cooper's Island for up to four times a year, with no impact to Cooper's Island Nature Reserve."

Ms Shelton said NASA would conduct educational outreach activities in Bermuda similar to ones they held when they had a full-time base here, if permission was given.

"Other potential benefits to Bermuda through this cooperation would include certain infrastructure upgrades for power and communications, local employment opportunities, and continued positive interaction between NASA and the Government of Bermuda," she added.

"This would continue Bermuda's legacy supporting the US and international space programme."