Tech & Science Daily: Space chief on UK’s first “spaceport” and eco impact of its rocket launch

Britain is a step closer to opening its first ‘spaceport’, and while there likely won’t be humans aboard a converted Virgin 747 - ‘Cosmic Girl’ - for about a decade, it will take off with a satellite-carrying LauncherOne rocket strapped to it for release into low-earth orbit.

We spoke to Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, based at Newquay Airport.

Melissa tells us about the modifications that have been made to the plane, how the rocket is launched, and their plans for responsible and sustainable launches - leading the way for Spaceports across the globe.

Staying with space, officials say the ISS was given a nudge when the Russian Nauka mobile laboratory’s engine thrusters fired up by mistake but there was no danger to seven crew on board.

An investigation is under way into the fault, which occurred a few hours after the 20-ton, 30-metre module docked on Thursday after an eight-hour trip.

The rush to shop online has seen price gouging with abandon, that’s according to a report from software firm Adobe.

The study, analysing a trillion retail site visits across 18 product categories matched to the consumer price index, found online prices jumped 2.3 per cent in June.

Israel tells France it’s looking into claims NSO spyware was used against President Macron, research finds the dramatic difference in body fat between rich and poor children, doctors are reporting 99% of pregnant women admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are unvaccinated, and, Internet users not yet ready to give up Rickrolling as craze hits a billion views.

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