UK Launches First Satellite Prospero on Black Arrow Rocket on October 28, 1971
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- SPACE.com
On October 28, 1971, the United Kingdom successfully launched its first satellite, Prospero, aboard a Black Arrow rocket from the Woomera Range Complex in Australia. This mission marked a significant milestone as it was the first and only satellite launched by the British space program using a domestically built rocket, following earlier launches that relied on NASA rockets.
The Prospero satellite, weighing 66 kilograms, was designed to investigate the effects of space on communications technology, including solar cells and telemetry systems. Although the launch was successful, a collision with the rocket's final stage damaged one of Prospero's antennas. Despite this, the satellite remained operational until 1973, with sporadic communications continuing until 1996.
Skyrora, a Scotland-based space startup, has announced plans to retrieve Prospero from orbit, aiming to deorbit it responsibly. This initiative, revealed in 2021, underscores the UK's commitment to sustainable space practices. The mission's legacy continues as Prospero remains in orbit, symbolizing a pivotal moment in British space exploration history.
Original report
On this day in space! Oct. 28, 1971: Britain launches its 1st satellite Prospero into space on a Black Arrow rocket
SPACE.com · Hanneke WeiteringThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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