The 27ft ‘reusable’ Skybolt 2 research rocket was fired from the back of a converted flat-bed truck in Northumberland this morning and reached a maximum height of 4,000ft before it was lowered back down to earth by parachute. Its private manufacturers, Manchester-based Starchaser, are hoping to build a rocket capable of transporting people to 330,000 feet, however, today’s launch was carried out to test vital electronic systems. The rocket was watched by around 50 people as it launched from its base in Otterburn, Northumberland, and landed in three pieces roughly two miles away.

Starchaser managing director Steve Bennett said: ‘There are millions of people who’d like to take a trip to outer space and a successful flight of Skybolt will take us another step closer to making this a reality. UK’s largest rocket blasts to space from launch site. The rocket section falls back to Earth.

Starchaser’s eventual aim is to launch manned-flights to the edge of space, Skybolt 2 was built in conjunction with the University of Chester (‘And as part of our Educational Outreach Programme, Skybolt 2 will go on to inspire many thousands of youngsters as it will tour schools following the launch.’ The mission was a collaboration with the Science and Engineering Faculty of the University of Chester which will now pave the way for manned tests of Starchaser’s Space Tourism rocket. Other payloads on Skybolt 2 included a science project from Sheffield Hallam University, commercial cargo and a number of video cameras. A stuffed toy dog called Sam was also launched on behalf of Morecambe Bay Primary school, Lancs. Professor Nick Avis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Chester, and Provost of the University’s Thornton Science Park, hoped the launch would inspire others to follow a career in science.

The nose cone descends back to earth; Technicians from Starchaser Industries prepare Britain’s biggest reusable rocket Skybolt 2 The Skybolt 2 rocket is launched from Otterburn, Northumberland He said: ‘This research project is already sparking inspiration for the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s undergraduate projects at Thornton Science Park. ‘Steve and his team already work with us engaging young people and encouraging them to pursue Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subject areas. ‘Our students have the opportunity to undertake industrial placements as part of their degree programmes at companies such as Starchaser Industries. ‘We look forward to continuing our close partnership with them on their future ambitious projects.’ The previous biggest rocket to be launched in Britain was 46 years ago when the Black Arrow (R3) launched Prospero X-3. It was the only British satellite to be sent into space using a British rocket.