UK's Historic Satellite Launch Fails to Reach Orbit

Image copyright: Getty Images [via Financial Times]

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Rocket technology is immensely complicated, and, although this result is disappointing, those involved will likely embark on another mission very soon. These launches are difficult, but one setback will not deter researchers from making further progress in the near future. There is no need to feel ashamed over this result.

Establishment-critical narrative

This failure has left multiple senior members of the UK government with egg on their faces. By trumpeting the success of the mission before it was guaranteed, Freeman and Shapps have embarrassed the upper echelons of government by appearing to utilize this launch as a public relations stunt rather than an advance for the sake of scientific progress.

Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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