# Black Arrow

> British satellite carrier rocket developed during the 1960s

**Wikidata**: [Q35307](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q35307)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Arrow)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/black-arrow

## Summary
Black Arrow was a British satellite carrier rocket developed in the United Kingdom during the 1960s. Classified as an expendable launch vehicle, it was designed to launch satellites into orbit. The rocket successfully launched the Prospero satellite, making it a significant part of British space history.

## Key Facts
*   **Country of Origin:** United Kingdom
*   **Classification:** Rocket model, subclass of expendable launch vehicle
*   **Purpose:** Satellite carrier rocket
*   **Manufacturer:** Royal Aircraft Establishment
*   **First Flight:** June 29, 1969
*   **Service Retirement:** October 28, 1971
*   **Total Produced:** 4
*   **Launch Weight:** 18,130 kilograms
*   **Height:** 12.8 meters
*   **Payload Capacity:** 73 kilograms

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Black Arrow rocket?
A: Black Arrow was a British satellite carrier rocket developed in the 1960s by the Royal Aircraft Establishment. It was an expendable launch vehicle designed to place satellites into orbit, notably launching the Prospero satellite.

### Q: When did the Black Arrow rocket first fly and when was it retired?
A: The Black Arrow rocket had its first flight on June 29, 1969. It was retired from service relatively quickly, on October 28, 1971, after a total of four vehicles were produced.

### Q: What was the payload capacity of the Black Arrow rocket?
A: The Black Arrow rocket had a payload capacity of 73 kilograms. This capacity was sufficient to launch small satellites, such as the Prospero satellite.

## Why It Matters
The Black Arrow rocket holds a unique and significant place in the history of space exploration, particularly for the United Kingdom. As a British-developed satellite carrier rocket, it represented the nation's independent capability to launch satellites into orbit. Its successful launch of the Prospero satellite in 1971 marked a pivotal moment, making the UK the sixth nation to achieve an orbital launch using its own rocket. This achievement demonstrated advanced engineering and scientific prowess, solidifying Britain's contribution to the early space race.

Despite its short operational life and the subsequent cancellation of the program, Black Arrow proved the feasibility of a domestic space launch system. It provided invaluable experience and data for future aerospace endeavors, influencing subsequent generations of engineers and scientists. The program's legacy underscores the challenges and triumphs of national space initiatives, highlighting the ambition and innovation required to reach for the stars.

## Notable For
*   **British-Developed Satellite Carrier:** Black Arrow was the only satellite carrier rocket fully developed by the United Kingdom.
*   **Successful Launch of Prospero:** It successfully launched the Prospero satellite, making the UK the sixth nation to achieve an independent orbital launch.
*   **Unique Engine Configuration:** Powered by Gamma 8 engines for its first stage and Gamma 2 engines for its second stage.

## Body

### Overview
Black Arrow was a British satellite carrier rocket, developed during the 1960s. It is classified as a rocket model and an expendable launch vehicle, meaning it was designed to be used once and then discarded. The rocket was developed in the United Kingdom.

### Development and Operations
The Black Arrow program was undertaken by the Royal Aircraft Establishment. Its first flight occurred on June 29, 1969. A total of 4 Black Arrow rockets were produced. The rocket's service retirement date was October 28, 1971.

### Specifications
*   **Launch Weight:** 18,130 kilograms
*   **Height:** 12.8 meters
*   **Diameter:** 1.98 meters
*   **Payload Mass:** 73 kilograms
*   **Propulsion:**
    *   **First Stage:** Powered by Gamma 8 engines.
    *   **Second Stage:** Powered by Gamma 2 engines.

### Related Entities
Black Arrow is closely related to the **Prospero** satellite, which was a British satellite successfully launched by a Black Arrow rocket.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/b/blackarrow.html)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/black_arrow.htm)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. BabelNet
5. KBpedia