Weapons Research Establishment WRESAT SPARTA
About the WRESAT Mission
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Australian satellite carrying four astrophysics experiments.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Area 8
RAAF Woomera Range Complex
The Launch Area 8 launch pad has hosted 1 rocket launches, including 1 orbital launch attempts. The RAAF Woomera Range Complex launch site has been the location for 6 total 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.
Chrysler SPARTA Rocket
The Sparta was a three-stage rocket that launched Australia's first Earth satellite, WRESAT, on 29 November 1967.
About Weapons Research Establishment
The Weapons Research Establishment was an Australian government entity dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia's defence and national security needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA WRESAT launch scheduled?
The Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA WRESAT launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA WRESAT mission launch from?
The Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA rocket launched from Launch Area 8 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 WRESAT mission?
The WRESAT mission launched aboard a Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA rocket. The Sparta was a three-stage rocket that launched Australia's first Earth satellite, WRESAT, on 29 November 1967. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA WRESAT launch?
The Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA WRESAT 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 Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA WRESAT launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Weapons Research Establishment SPARTA launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the WRESAT 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 Weapons Research Establishment live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.