On occasions a space launch has had to be delayed until scientists were certain that the rocket would enter a 'junk-free' zone.

Many of the safety issues that affected the incident 'rose not from the novelty of the space launch test flight but from factors already known elsewhere in transportation', he said.

The preparations mimic those of a classic space launch.

By re-using rockets he hopes to undercut the competition in the commercial space launch business by at least a third.

Proposed uses include tourism and commerce, communications, wind generation and low-cost space launch.