A BUSINESS is set to hit the heights as it prepares to launch a rocket.

Apprentices from WEC’s Training Academy have been developing parts for the 8.3metre rocket and will now work on the launch pad in preparation for lift off.

The rocket has been created by Starchaser Industries, and for the past year the six apprentices have been working on it using advanced welding and fabrication processes to make the aluminium internal structure.

The fins and the rocket propulsion systems were also made at the Britannia House site in Junction Street.

The rocket boosters are now being fitted in Cheshire before it comes back to WEC in two weeks' time when they will make the launch pad.

The rocket, which weighs around a quarter of a tonne and measures 758mm in diameter, will be launched from somewhere in the North West in the autumn although an exact location has not been revealed.

It will make one journey with the flight lasting just under four minutes.

The rocket will take about 17 seconds to reach 4,000ft.

Kris Mercer, training and development manager at the academy, said they will add enough fuel so it reaches 4,000ft and can then be returned within a one-mile radius.

He said: “It is carrying equipment from universities who are carrying out undergraduate experiments.

“Starchaser’s ultimate aim is to man one in the future but that won’t be happening with this one.

“The apprentices are really excited and really keen for the launch.

“There is a lot riding on it.

“The quality of the work has been really high and we are confident the launch will be successful.”

He said it is the first time WEC has built a rocket but they have assisted with launch pads and parts before.

“Projects like this keep them engaged and interested in engineering,” he said.

“It is one of many we do at the academy.

“Previously we manufactured the dome for the Darwen Tower and they got to watch that being placed on the top using a helicopter.”