US went Exploring, but only after Laika was lost in space

Obviously, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. Equally obviously, Snowdon is the highest UK peak not in Scotland, but how many Scottish mountains are higher? – N.

At 3560ft (1085m) Snowdon is the highest non-scots peak, but it is only the 57th highest in the UK.

The highest 57 peaks are Scottish, from Ben Nevis at 4413ft (1345m) to Beinn a’ Chlachair, south west of Dalwhinnie, at 3565ft (1087m). There is a fish and chip shop in Bowness called Vinegar Jones. Was there a real person by this name? – J.

American Whitman Jones was a master carpenter in the late 19th and early 20th Century. He was famous for his work in Montana’s the Grand Union Hotel. He also built a vinegar factory. Some say his nickname came from the vinegar plant, others from his cruel, acidic wit.

During the Cold War, the Russians beat the Americans by launching the first satellite into space.

Can you tell me what the American satellite, the second in space, was called? – L.

Actually, the Russians launched the first two satellites.

Sputnik was the first, on October 4, 1957.

It was a 23in (58cm) diameter polished metal sphere, with four external radio antennas to broadcast radio pulses, which were gleefully picked up by radio hams around the world.

They repeated the feat less than a month later when the launched Sputnik 2, the first craft to carry a living creature (apart from any microbes which were on Sputnik), a dog.

Sadly for Laika, a female mongrel, it was a one-way journey as she died a few hours after achieving earth orbit.

The Americans were stung into action and attempted to launch their own satellite on December 6, 1957.

However, the first stage engine of the Vanguard TV-3 launch vehicle misfired, causing the vehicle to fall back to the launch pad immediately after launch and explode.

However, they were successful with their next attempt, on January 31, 1958, when Explorer 1, launched by a Jupiter-c rocket became the first US satellite in space.

Britain became the third country to operate a satellite with Aerial 1, on April 26, 1962.

There are believed to be more than 2,270 satellites in orbit today, not including spy satellites. It’s something I’ve seen in a few movies about Roman times and has always puzzled me. There are many inscriptions with the letters “SPQR” but what do they stand for? – D.

SPQR is the initials of the Latin phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus.

It translates roughly as “The Roman Senate and People”.

It appeared on currency and monuments and was often emblazoned on the flags of Roman Legions. My friend has a beautiful decorative poster which advertises a cruise on a ship called a steam packet. What’s that? – K.

A packet ship was a vessel used to carry mail, in packets, to and from British embassies, colonies and outpost.

After the advent of steam, the ships became known as steam packets.

The Royal Navy took over the service in the mid 19th Century.