HMG Paints Ltd, is celebrating its long-term partnership with Starchaser Industries as their authentic research rocket, Skybolt 2, takes centre stage at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester’s Summer 2026 programme.
Constructed from lightweight carbon fibre and aerospace composites, the 8.3-metre rocket was painted using specialist formulated HMG Paints products to withstand the extreme friction of flight. The vehicle on public display is the actual decommissioned craft that successfully launched from Northumberland on 11th September 2017, reaching velocities up to 600 mph.
"We are thrilled to see Skybolt 2 taking pride of place in our home city. Our coatings are built to survive extreme forces, and seeing this real, flown rocket showcases the longevity of British manufacturing and engineering innovation" said John Falder, Chairman of HMG Paints.
Starchaser, founded by entrepreneur Steve Bennett in 1992, has used the Skybolt 2 testing framework to pave the way for its next milestones: the upcoming 12-metre ASTRA-X passenger rocket and the future three-person reusable space tourism ship, Thunderstar.
"HMG Paints has been an invaluable technical partner. Skybolt’s rugged carbon fibre hull and protective paint ensured our critical payloads returned intact despite a hard landing, proving our systems for the future“, commented Steve Bennett, Founder Starchaser Industries.
Since returning to earth Skybolt 2 has taken pride and place in Starchaser’s SPACE4SCHOOLS initiative, visiting more than 100 schools each year. Starchaser’s SPACE4SCHOOLS initiative combines a unique range of interactive shows, presentations and workshops, aimed to inspire the next generation of British scientists and engineers.
Rocket Wednesdays
Every Wednesday during the summer holidays, the mighty Skybolt 2 will land at the Museum, allowing visitors the chance to get up close to a marvel of modern spaceflight and can view the authentic "battle scars"—minor cracks and a missing fin—sustained during its high-stakes recovery operation. The Starchaser team will also be in attendance to answer and space questions and reveal more about Skybolt 2 and future endeavours.
To find out about the activities taking place at the Science and Industry Museum this summer visit https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-2026. The launch of Skybolt 2 put Britain back on the map of space-faring nations. Before Starchaser began launching its rockets, the last British spaceflight was back in 1971 when a Black Arrow rocket carried the Prospero satellite into orbit. Now, Steve and his Starchaser team aim to capitalise on their success and move forward in pursuit of their dreams. For more information on Starchaser visit www.starchaser.co.uk.
If you require further information on the press release, please contact:
Stephen Dyson
HMG Paints Communications
sdyson@hmgpaint.com or marketing@hmgpaint.com
www.hmgpaint.com
0161 205 7631
HMG Paints are the UK’s leading independent Paint Manufacturer and a proud, family-owned business situated in Manchester. Working alongside new and long-term customers, HMG are committed to sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction. Since 1930 HMG have been developing innovative paints and coatings and have an extensive portfolio, which covers virtually every type of surface imaginable across a whole host of industries including; industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, automotive, protective coatings, defence, toll manufacturing, arts & craft, wood finish and more. HMG Paints truly are ‘One name that covers everything’.
For more information, please visit www.hmgpaint.com or visit www.shop.hmgpaint.com to discover decorative paint and inspiration.
Connect with HMG Paints on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn