Posted: Fri, Nov 23, 2001, 10:02 AM ET (1502 GMT)
Two British rocket development groups successfully tested small rocket systems within the last week. Starchaser Industries launched its Nova reusable rocket Thursday from a site near Manchester, England, flying to an altitude of about 1,500 meters. The single-stage rocket is designed to test the technology needed for Thunderbird, the company's entry into the X-Prize competition. Another British group, the Mars Advanced Rocketry Society, successfully flew its Deimos 2 rocket from Scotland on November 18. The hybrid-propellant Deimos 2 flew to an altitude of 2,100 meters during the flight. The society eventually hopes to launch a rocket into space.

Related Links:

•  CNN article about Nova launch
•  BBC article about Deimos 2 launch