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.

FROM THE SPA TO THE STARS – Droitwich brine to fuel new Worcestershire space programme

A DISCOVERY has been made that could prove once and for all that Droitwich Spa’s brine is ‘out of this world’.

Experts have found that elements found in the town’s famous saltwater could be used as an eco-friendly rocket fuel.

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.

‘Secret plans’

The Standard 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.

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.

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 local 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.

“We’re over the moon with our findings so far – at least we hope to be!

“This spa town’s brine 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 Standard 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 Droitwich brine space project is expected at midday today (Tuesday).

• What do you think of Droitwich brine being used in this new space mission? Email [email protected] with your views.