A Lincolnshire RAF pilot will swap out the cockpit of a Typhoon to help launch satellites into space.
Flight Lieutenant Mathew ‘Stanny’ Stannard flies will join the ranks of Virgin Orbit’s space programme after a tough selection process.
The secondment from RAF Coningsby is expected to last three years and will see ‘Stanny’ pilot a modified Boeing 747-400 aircraft next year.
He will help launch satellites with Virgin Orbit. Photo: Virgin Orbit
His appointment was made in California aboard the RMS Queen Mary ship, which was once the floating headquarters of Winston Churchill.
As part of the event, the RAF Red Arrows display team flew over the ship in a special formation with the Virgin Orbit plane called ‘Cosmic Girl.’
The satellites are promised to connect people across the world. Photo: Virgin Orbit
Flight Lieutenant Stannard said: “I’ve flown Tornado and Typhoon fighter jets in the RAF but being involved in Virgin Orbit’s space programme is a truly unique opportunity.
“This programme is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of space so it’s a real privilege to be part of it and I’m looking forward to bringing the skills and knowledge I gain back to the RAF.”
Flight Lieutenant Mathew ‘Stanny’ Stannard. Photo: MOD
Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart added: “As an American Company with British ownership and a company guided by Sir Richard Branson, a truly legendary British entrepreneur, it is perhaps within our DNA to help the United Kingdom and the United States collaborate in space.
“As part of Team ARTEMIS, we’ve been working with the RAF and the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate the utility of small satellites and responsive, resilient space launch and operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Flight Lt. Matthew Stannard to our team of hugely talented pilots where I know his presence will move us further, faster and to new heights.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a fail to stop in Welton, Lincoln.
It’s believed a black or grey 4×4 or SUV vehicle collided with a silver Mini Cooper that was parked along Cliff Road. The incident was reported just after 3pm today.
If you witnessed the collision or have dashcam footage available, please get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 275 of 1st July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 275 of 1st July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
A snack bar in Lincoln has been told to make improvements in several areas after being given a one-star food hygiene rating.
Monks Road Snack Bar, located on 23 Monks Road, was visited by city council inspectors on May 25, 2022 and the rating was recently published on the Food Standards Agency’s website.
The standards found at the time of inspection showed that improvement was necessary in the areas of ‘hygienic food handling’ and the ‘Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building’.
It was also deemed that there was “major improvement necessary” relating to the ‘Management of food safety’.
Monks Road Snack Bar was previously given five-star ratings in June 2016 and September 2018.
The Lincolnite tried to contact the business on numerous occasions throughout the day on Friday, July 1 but the line was continuously engaged.
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