The sequence led to the inevitable question: Did the referees' calls against Ovechkin have anything to do with his pregame comments.

WSJ: Ovechkin penalties spur Rangers' 4-1 win over Caps

Friday's launch was part of what Esa calls the Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment (Verta) programme - a sequence of flights intended to demonstrate the rocket's capabilities whilst at the same time moving it towards full commercial service.

BBC: Esa's Vega rocket puts Proba-V vegetation mission in orbit

There have been calls for a clearer sense of chronology to improve children's understanding of the sequence of historical eras and events.

BBC: Hunt doubts Gove on history evidence