UK Rocket Launch

It wasn't a fit day yesterday to go for a walk. It was very windy and cold, but I braved the elements and went. As I passed the horsey field I saw my friends car there, she had come to feed her three horses. I haven't seen her for a while so it was nice to have a catch up chat. I sneakily took this pic as I was walking away. She is hauling bales of hay up into the top field where they are contained on high ground to get them off the lower boggy ground. 

Spending time chatting once again meant that I finished the last half an hour of the walk in the dark. I am well prepared for that now, by always remembering to take a torch. 

I was about to close the computer down last night when I noticed that they were covering the rocket launch live from Cornwall. I had no idea what this was about. As it was so close to happening I thought I had better stay tuned and watch it. 

I checked out a couple of web sites and got some info. This old Boeing 747, nicknamed Cosmic Girl,  has had it's insides taken out to reduce it's weight. It had the rocket strapped to it's belly and the plan was to launch it when it hit the required height above earth. Something went a bit wrong and it failed to reach the correct orbit. There were nine satellites on board the rocket, which all returned safely to earth.

Apparently there were two thousand visitors to watch the launch live. They didn't see very much. The Boeing taxied down to the end of the runway, then turned round and came back gathering speed before it lifted off. A bit like any other aircraft take off. It caused gridlock around the surrounding roads. There was a park and ride service to the site. 

Picture source Daily Telegraph. 

I wondered why they need to send more satellites into space? At which point will it become a bit crowded up there? It seems that Britain is not going to be left out of the space race. Our little island has some big ideas to be at the front of the queue. Maybe this gives a clue. 

 Here is the link for Spaceport Cornwall. 

The wind is blowing a hoolie outside. No walk today, perhaps it will be better tomorrow.

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona