In 1650, the Puritans constructed the world’s first space rocket. Walden’s iconic St Mary’s Church was built to launch the town’s faithful into space using giant elastic bands in the event of a Catholic resurgence.
Now, nearly four centuries later, Saffron Walden may be about to make another first.
WexlerTech Miniaturisation of Shire Hill has plans to branch out into the space business.
The company recently opened the world’s first miniature housing development (behind the county high school) and has proposed transforming Audley End International Airport into Audley End Intergalactic Spaceport by 2030.
“Space is the future,” says WexlerTech’s CEO Melody Pym. “By 2050, the commercial space industry will be worth an estimated three trillion dollars.”
She continues, “The UK is currently limited to commercial small satellite launches, but using our miniaturisation technology, we can compete with the big players within the sector.”
“We aim to make Saffron Walden a part of that three trillion dollar future.”
However, there are several hurdles to overcome.
Chief rocket scientist Blasty McBoom explains that getting a miniaturised rocket off the ground is the first and most significant hurdle.
“Miniaturised objects retain their original mass. A miniaturised rocket contains just 2 litres of liquid hydrogen and oxygen. That’s not enough to push 2.5 million tons of rocket a Planck length off the launch pad, let alone out of Earth’s gravity well and into orbit.”
McBoom hints that a solution is in the works but refuses to be pressed on the details.
The proposed spaceport has divided opinion in Walden.
“We’ve seen the proposal,” says Amy Fortescue, head of ARSE (Association of Residents against Space Exploration), “And it includes multiple launch pads. The amount of additional infrastructure required is staggering. This proposed small spaceport will have a big impact on Saffron Walden. Why can’t they build the spaceport somewhere less historic and picturesque? Somewhere like Haverhill.”
“The airstrip, built in 1296 by Lord Chubby Cox, has a rich history,” says Tom Cruise, secretary of ARSE. The Hollywood actor recently moved to a bungalow on Shed’s Lane.
“By 1539, it was embroiled in the clandestine dealings of the Saffronium trade. Nowadays, Audley End is the only grass runway in the world certified to handle the Airbus A380. That’s a history we have to protect.”
“History is important,” acknowledges Pym. “If our plan goes ahead, we will honour that history by planting a couple of trees and erecting a monument.”
She continues, “But as a town, we can’t get stuck in the past with a fixed mindset. Saffron Walden has always thrived because of growth. If we can bring in even a fraction of that three trillion dollars, the returns on our home investments, not to mention what we’ll be able to charge for rent, will be astronomical.”
Miniaturised rocket engine testing in the fenced waste ground on Shire Hill Industrial Estate
Blasty McBoom
Artist’s impression of a proposed passenger terminal
St. Marys Church rocket