UK Rocket Failure Defined As Setback Not Roadblock  

The failure of the first ever satellite mission launched from UK soil is a setback but not a roadblock to the country’s space plans.

The rocket suffered an “anomaly” late on Monday night after its release by a jumbo jet operated by the American Virgin Orbit company.

The satellites it was carrying could not be released and were lost.

But plans for the UK to become a satellite-launching state are already well advanced.

Launches are planned in Scotland, from Sutherland and Shetland.

These would be the more traditional type of launch system in which the rocket goes straight up from the ground.