Press Cutting – Space Shot set to test your nerves of steel (1997)

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE EVENING TELEGRAPH

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1997

The UK’s first Space Shot white knuckle ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach will lift-off this spring, thanks to the expertise of county workers.

The 210ft tower is currently being built from steel produced at Corby. The £2m ride is expected to be a big attraction at the pleasure park.

The Space Shot catapults up to 12 would-be astronauts into the air at 80mph, reproducing G forces of 4.5, followed by weightlessness - a rush comparable to ejecting from a jet fighter.

It dwarfs Nelson’s Column, which is just a mere 170ft in height.

The tower is so high it could be a threat to aircraft and needed clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Just like its sister attraction, the 235ft Big One roller coaster, it has been fitted with aircraft warning beacons.

The latest contract to supply some of the two miles of steel in the structure, follows hot on the heels of a similar deal in 1994 at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Corby steelworkers then supplied some of the steel for the Big One, the world’s largest roller coaster.

British Steel at Corby was selected once again because of the bracing strength and reliability of its steel.

British Steel spokesman Jim Johnson said: “Corby tubes have worldwide recognition for being reliable, versatile and of the highest quality and their use in this high profile Blackpool ride is another example of the continued importance placed on our products by designers and steel fabricators.”