UK's largest space rocket unveiled
UK's largest space rocket unveiled
2008-06-30Newsfeed
Scientists in Manchester are set to unveil the UK's largest ever space rocket - the forerunner of an even bigger rocket which is hoped to send tourists into space.
Scientists in Manchester are set to unveil the UK's largest ever space rocket - the forerunner of an even bigger rocket which is hoped to send tourists into space.
The 58ft Nova 2 was developed by a team of academics at Salford University's Space Technology Laboratory to test a number of systems which will be used in a larger vessel which is expected to carry passengers by 2013.
The Nova 2 will be launched in September, one of its creators, Steve Bennett said. Professor Bennett is a lecturer at the university and managing director of Starchaser Industries, which plans to use the technology to send paying passengers into space.
"Early next year we will set out on a nationwide tour with the rocket that will visit 100 schools where we hope to involve as many children as possible. We want to inspire a future generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts," Professor Bennett said.
"Our ultimate aim, though, is to carry people into space and our latest rocket takes us another step closer to realising that ambition."
Starchaser's space tourism initiative will enable the public to purchase flights where they can spend 20 minutes in space and experience three to four minutes of weightlessness.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
