Hammond and May tried to convert a Reliant Robin into a space shuttle. They were given 12 days to build it and help from the British Amateur Rocket Society. Eight tons of thrust were required to launch the Robin — the largest non-commercial rocket launch undertaken in Europe.

The Reliant Robin took off, everything seemed to be working until a release bolt attaching the Robin to the fuel tank failed to detach. The combined result spiralled out of control and crashed in a massive explosion on a nearby hillside. Series Nine, Episode Four

Top Gear: Hammond & May's Reliant Robin Space Shuttle Challenge