Prospero
Black Arrow
Royal Aircraft Establishment
Mission
Prospero
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
British scientific satellite used to demonstrate technologies needed for communication satellites.
Location
Launch Area 5B
RAAF Woomera Range Complex
Launch Area 5B has witnessed the launch of 2 rockets, including 2 orbital launch attempts. While RAAF Woomera Range Complex, has been the site for 6 rocket launches.
The RAAF Woomera Range Complex (WRC) is a major Australian military and civil aerospace facility and operation located in South Australia, approximately 450 km (280 mi) north-west of Adelaide. The WRC is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a Service of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The complex has a land area of 122,188 km2 (47,177 sq mi) or roughly the size of North Korea or Pennsylvania. The airspace above the area is restricted and controlled by the RAAF for safety and security. The WRC is a highly specialised ADF test and evaluation capability operated by the RAAF for the purposes of testing defence materiel.
Rocket
Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow
Black Arrow was a British satellite carrier rocket. Developed during the 1960s, it was used for four launches between 1969 and 1971. Its final flight was the first and only successful orbital launch to be conducted by the United Kingdom, and placed the Prospero satellite into low Earth orbit.
Agency
Royal Aircraft Establishment
The Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) was a British research establishment, known by several different names during its history, that eventually came under the aegis of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), before finally losing its identity in mergers with other institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow Prospero launch scheduled?
The Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow Prospero launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow Prospero mission launch from?
The Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow rocket launched from Launch Area 5B at RAAF Woomera Range Complex. The RAAF Woomera Range Complex (WRC) is a major Australian military and civil aerospace facility and operation located in South Australia, approximately 450 km (280 mi) north-west of Adelaide. The WRC is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a Service of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The complex has a land area of 122,188 km2 (47,177 sq mi) or roughly the size of North Korea or Pennsylvania. The airspace above the area is restricted and controlled by the RAAF for safety and security. The WRC is a highly specialised ADF test and evaluation capability operated by the RAAF for the purposes of testing defence materiel.
What rocket was used for the Prospero mission?
The Prospero mission launched aboard a Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow rocket. Black Arrow was a British satellite carrier rocket. Developed during the 1960s, it was used for four launches between 1969 and 1971. Its final flight was the first and only successful orbital launch to be conducted by the United Kingdom, and placed the Prospero satellite into low Earth orbit. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow Prospero launch?
The Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow Prospero launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow Prospero launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Royal Aircraft Establishment Black Arrow launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Prospero mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Royal Aircraft Establishment live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
