On 28 October 1971 the UK conducted its first and only successful orbital launch, firing the Prospero satellite into low earth orbit – LEO on a Black Arrow rocket. Since that time, the country has lacked a native launch vehicle.

In this episode we speak with Joe Laynton, a mechanical engineer working for Skyrora, an Edinburgh-based company that aims to correct just that, and return launch capability to the UK by 2023.

Joe tells us about a journey that had led him from playing with Lego and watching sci-fi as a young boy, to working at the cutting edge of the British space sector.

This episode is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Ingenious programme. Ingenious is an awards scheme for projects that engage the public with engineering while at the same time providing engineers with skills and opportunities in public engagement.

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GUEST
Joe Laynton, Mechanical Engineer, Skyrora

SUPPORTER
The Royal Academy of Engineering is an organisation that aims to harness the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and inclusive economy that works for everyone. It works to grow talent and develop skills for the future, to drive innovation and build global partnerships, as well as influence policy and engage the public.

RESOURCES
To find out more about Skyrora and their orbital ambitions, click here.
Interested in the way in which engineering impacts our society? Check out ‘This is Engineering’.