AS THE CLOCK has now struck 12pm, we can reveal (as if you did not already know) that our story about the new Worcestershire space programme being fuelled by Droitwich brine and launched from the Malvern Hills was complete fabrication in true April Fools Day tradition.

Thanks to all of you who read the piece, shared and commented on social media and generally joined in with the fun.

We’ll be back again this time next year in a bid to trick you again but, in case you missed it, the story is below.

YOU SWOT? Malvern Hills could be used to launch new Worcestershire space programme

THE VIEWS from the Malvern Hills have long been considered ‘out of this world’ by visitors and residents alike but that could soon be a reality, thanks to a local discovery.

Experts have found that elements found in Droitwich Spa’s famous saltwater could be used as an eco-friendly rocket fuel and that has prompted an ambitious space mission.

Brine already has so many documented benefits, including preserving food, tenderising meat and having antiseptic and even antibiotic properties.

It has also been shown to be capable of producing hydrogen which can power vehicles, and potentially spacecraft.

The Observer can now reveal that a group of scientists – known as SWOT (South Worcestershire Orbit Team) – is embarking on a secret mission to launch a small rocket using Droitwich brine.

‘Secret plans’

SWOT has been based at a secret location in Malvern with a view to using the, equally famous, Malvern Hills, as a launchpad for the culmination of the mission. The Standard believes the launch is scheduled for 12 months time – on April 1, 2026.

The Malvern Hills.

Droitwich is already utilising its saltwater in many ways – in the Lido, as a condiment and foodstuff and, hopefully, with the return of the health-beneficial Brine Baths.

If this latest project is successful, Droitwich brine – with its high salt content (ten times saltier than the Dead Sea) – could also become a crucial commodity. Its use in the new eco-friendly rocket fuel could literally provide a ‘boost’ to the south Worcestershire economy were it to be taken up by other companies and organisations operating space projects around the world. That number is growing so the value would only go from strength-to-strength.

A SWOT spokesperson told the Standard: “These are very exciting times – taking something you have in abundance, in this case Droitwich’s famous brine, and using it to your advantage is not usually rocket science but in this case it is exactly that.

“With these findings and the potential of the Malvern Hills as the perfect launchpad, we’re over the moon – or at least we hope to be!

“This has got us having ‘stars in our eyes’ which, hopefully, will be a lot closer this time next year.”

The space mission

The SWOT scientists are looking at using Droitwich brine to produce hydrogen to propel a rocket into space.

The Observer understands the rocket will be named ‘Roman 1’ – a nod to Droitwich’s heritage – and feature a Roman soldier as part of its design.

The Romans, recognising the importance of the area’s brine, established a settlement and fort here. It was known as ‘Salinae’, based on the area’s rich salt content.

It is thought the first rocket would be unmanned and use cameras to chart its journey but, were it to be successful, future missions from the Malverns could feature bigger craft, containing astronauts. People from South Worcestershire would be given the opportunity to put themselves forwards for future missions but that, like outer space, is a long way off.

Using brine to produce hydrogen

Brine electrolysis, using a solution of salt (sodium chloride) and water, can produce hydrogen as a byproduct, along with chlorine and sodium hydroxide.

Through the electrolysis process, an electric current would be passed through brine with hydrogen gas being produced through the water. It is this which would power the rocket.

Another update on the South Worcestershire space project is expected at midday today (Tuesday).

• What do you think of the new Worcestershire space programme and the Malverns being chosen for the launch? Email [email protected] with your views.