Wednesday briefing: Does failure to launch spell the end of the UK’s space ambitions?
In today's newsletter: The first rocket mission from the UK didn't reach orbit, but industry leaders explain why the burgeoning field is ready for liftoff - and what comes next
Good morning. There were two awkward misfires arising from the UK's pioneering space launch on Monday, and this newsletter isn't about Grant Shapps's dodgy Photoshop job.
After a Virgin Orbit Boeing 747 took off from Cornwall at 10pm, carrying what would have been the first satellites to get into space from anywhere in western Europe, spectators at the launch site outside Newquay did a conga. The rocket carrying the satellites was released at 35,000 feet an hour later - and briefly made it into space. But then came an anomaly that has prevented us from reaching orbit", and mission failure. Now UK air accident investigators are trying to work out what went wrong.
Strikes | The government's standoff with public sector workers has escalated with plans for a coordinated day of action" by unions, who have reacted furiously to proposed legislation they say could let ministers in effect ban strikes in some areas.
Environment | Twelve European countries broke monthly temperature records last year, as the continent had its hottest summer on record, new analysis of EU data by the Guardian has found.
Ukraine | The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group has claimed his forces have completed the takeover of the Ukrainian town of Soledar in the country's east. If confirmed it would mark Moscow's first major battlefield success since last summer.
Prince Harry | Prince Harry's autobiography has become the UK's fastest-selling nonfiction book ever, recording figures of 400,000 on its first day on sale. His publisher said the only books to have sold more copies were those starring the other Harry [Potter]".
Golden Globes | Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans, Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin and TV shows House of the Dragon and the White Lotus were among the winners at the Golden Globes. The ceremony was an awkward return for the awards after the 2022 TV broadcast was cancelled over a lack of diversity in the judging panel.
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