Wiltshire take off: Nuclear fusion firm reveals it has launched UK’s first chemical rocket in Salisbury November 22, 2021 A newly developed high-power chemical rocket was launched in the heart of Wiltshire, UK nuclear fusion firm Pulsar Fusion has revealed. The Bletchley-based company launched the rocket from the Ministry of Defence’s military base in Salisbury and took place on November 17. The firm shared with Morning Wire today that the launch contained the first [...]
UK Space Agency renews efforts to tackle ‘neglected’ space debris October 26, 2021 The UK Space Agency has renewed its efforts to tackle the “neglected” issue of space debris, amid concerns it could damage satellites and impact SatNav use. Space debris and orbital congestion is one of the largest issues in the global space sector, as it could cost launching companies millions in damaged satellites. With seven space [...]
Orbex unveils world’s most carbon neutral space rocket ahead of COP26 October 21, 2021 Space technology firm Orbex has unveiled what is thought to be the world’s most ‘environmentally friendly’ rocket. The Scottish firm’s space rocket, known as Prime, will emit be up to 96 per cent less emissions than comparable space launch programmes, according to a new study by Exeter University. The rocket uses a renewable, ‘ultra-low-carbon’ fuel, and [...]
Sit down: The CEO of the UK’s first-ever space flight regulator October 1, 2021 The UK’s recently unveiled space regulations mark a “really important milestone” for the country as an island emerging from a pandemic following Brexit, the boss of the UK’s aviation watchdog has told Morning Wire Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) boss Richard Moriarty – the regulator now responsible for space flight – explained fresh rules governing the [...]
Space race: The ambitions, plans and delays of launching superpowers August 26, 2021 Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, following its landmark human flight last month, has launched an uncrewed mission of NASAs future moon landing technology today. The flight, known as NS-17 or New Shepard 17, set off from a Blue Origin site in West Texas. The NASA payload on board is to test technologies including a Doppler Lidar [...]
Space SPAC: Seraphim-backed satellite firm Spire makes New York debut August 18, 2021 Space investor Seraphim has announced its portfolio company Spire, which provides satellites for space, has debuted on the New York Stock Exchange after becoming the latest space company to close a merger via SPAC. Spire has merged with special acquisition company NavSight Holdings, which valued the satellite firm at $1.6bn in equity. The new combined [...]
Meggitt presses ahead and publishes documents for Parker-Hannifin £6.3bn takeover bid August 16, 2021 British defence technology firm Meggitt has published its scheme documents for a recommended £6.3bn takeover by Parker, just five days after it received a proposal for a potentially higher bid from US rival Transdigm. Meggitt said its takeover panel will announce a deadline by which TransDigm must clarify its intentions in relation to its offer, [...]
Rolls-Royce swings back to profit despite slow international travel recovery August 5, 2021 Engine maker Rolls-Royce reported an operating profit of £307m in the first half of 2021, marking a significant improvement from the £1.6bn in losses a year ago. The group said international travel would bounce back once restrictions are lifted, but warned recovery is “likely to occur beyond the initial expected timeframe of 2022.” Shares had [...]
New frontier: UK renews outdated space policies as giants seek commercial travel July 29, 2021 The UK is set to start regulating commercial space travel from today, as an increasing number of companies look to capitalise on the race to the stars. Before appointing its first-ever space travel regulator, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), the global legal framework surrounding commercial space travel appeared a relic of the Cold [...]
Airbus raises forecasts after better-than-expected half-year results July 29, 2021 Europe’s Airbus raised its forecasts for full-year deliveries and earnings today after announcing better-than-expected first half results. The world’s largest maker of planes announced that it was expecting to deliver 600 aircraft this year, up from the 566 that they managed last year. Reuters reported yesterday that this was in part due to the financial [...]