Skybolt 2, the UK's largest rocket, is set for launch in Northumberland in test flight to pave the way for space tourism

The privately-funded Skybolt 2 Research Rocket will be launched at Otterburn in Northumberland on Monday morning.

The 27-ft tall reusable rocket, built by Starchaser Industries in collaboration with the University of Chester, is designed to fly more than 100km to the edge of space, although this first test flight will reach an altitude of only 4,000ft.

Manchester-based Starchaser says it plans to develop space tourism rockets in the future and the unmanned Skybolt 2 is a prototype which will pave the way for manned tests to follow.

Monday’s launch will test the rocket’s electronic systems and parachute recovery systems to ensure the rocket returns to earth intact.

It will also carry a science project from Sheffield Hallam University, a number of video cameras and a stuffed toy dog called Sam donated by pupils from Morecambe Bay Primary School.

Steve Bennett, managing director of Starchaser, said: “There are millions of people who’d like to take a trip to outer space and a successful flight of Skybolt will take us another step closer to making this a reality.

“As part of our Educational Outreach Programme, Skybolt 2 will go on to inspire many thousands of youngsters as it will tour schools following the launch”.