Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Rocket man set for lift-off

Sunday 16 February 1997 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A British rocket enthusiast is aiming to become the first amateur in Europe to break the sound barrier when his home-made unmanned rocket is test launched today from an Army range at Otterburn, Northumberland.

The rocket - built by Steve Bennett, 32, of Dukinfield, Greater Manchester - is being put through its paces to test its engine power, computer configuration and parachute mechanism, before a full-scale flight in April, when Mr Bennett hopes to set a new world record for altitude reached by an amateur's rocket - 15 miles high. He said he hopes to launch a satellite into orbit by 2001.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in