US rocket fails in budget spaceshot

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M., Sep 25 (Reuters) A commercial rocket blasted off from a site in New Mexico today, but malfunctioned before it reached space, organisers said.

The UP Aerospace SpaceLoft XL rocket blasted off from Spaceport America, a remote desert launch site near the town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, but slewed off course 40,000 feet (12,190 metres) above ground due to a malfunction.

''Because of an unexpected aerodynamic effect, the vehicle was short of its effected range, it went to an altitude of 40,000 feet,'' a mission director said over a public address system said.

Reuters SRS VP0230