# Sparta

> three-stage rocket that launched Australia's first Earth satellite, WRESAT, on 29 November 1967

**Wikidata**: [Q248342](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q248342)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparta_(rocket))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sparta-q248342

## Summary
Sparta is a three-stage rocket that launched Australia's first Earth satellite, WRESAT, on November 29, 1967. Developed as a modified Redstone rocket, it played a crucial role in establishing Australia's presence in space exploration during the Cold War era.

## Key Facts
- Sparta is a three-stage rocket that launched Australia's first Earth satellite, WRESAT
- The WRESAT satellite was launched on November 29, 1967
- Sparta is classified as a launch vehicle, a class of rockets used to carry payloads into outer space
- The rocket was manufactured by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency
- Sparta originated from the United States
- It is a subclass of the Redstone rocket system
- Sparta has multiple Wikipedia language versions including English, French, German, Japanese, and Russian
- The rocket is also known by the alias "Fusée Sparta"
- It has 11 sitelinks across various language editions of Wikipedia

## FAQs
### Q: What was Sparta's primary mission?
A: Sparta's primary mission was to launch WRESAT, Australia's first Earth satellite, on November 29, 1967. This historic event marked Australia's entry into space exploration.

### Q: What type of rocket is Sparta?
A: Sparta is a three-stage rocket that belongs to the launch vehicle class. It is a modified version of the Redstone rocket system, adapted specifically for the WRESAT mission.

### Q: Which organization manufactured Sparta?
A: Sparta was manufactured by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, highlighting the involvement of the United States military in early space programs.

### Q: When did Sparta operate?
A: Sparta operated in 1967, with its notable achievement being the launch of WRESAT on November 29, 1967.

## Why It Matters
Sparta represents a significant milestone in Australia's technological history, marking the nation's first foray into space exploration. The rocket's successful launch of WRESAT demonstrated Australia's capability to conduct advanced scientific research independently. This achievement occurred during the Cold War era, when space exploration was closely tied to national prestige and technological advancement. Sparta's modification of the Redstone system for this specific mission showcases the ingenuity of rocket engineering in adapting existing technology for specialized purposes. The mission also established international collaboration in space endeavors, as it involved both Australian scientific expertise and American rocket technology.

## Notable For
- Being the launch vehicle for WRESAT, Australia's first satellite
- Its three-stage design adapted from the Redstone rocket system
- Its participation in establishing Australia's presence in space exploration
- The historic November 29, 1967 launch date that marked a national milestone
- Its development by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, demonstrating military involvement in civilian space achievements

## Body

### Development and Design
Sparta was a specialized three-stage rocket developed specifically for the WRESAT mission. As a subclass of the Redstone rocket system, it incorporated modified components to meet the unique requirements of launching Australia's first satellite. The rocket's design represented an engineering adaptation of existing military technology for peaceful scientific purposes.

### WRESAT Mission
The primary purpose of the Sparta rocket was to launch WRESAT (Weapons Research Establishment Satellite), Australia's first Earth satellite. This historic mission was successfully executed on November 29, 1967. The satellite was developed by the Weapons Research Establishment in Salisbury, South Australia, and represented a significant achievement for Australian science and technology.

### Manufacturing and Origin
Sparta was manufactured by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, indicating the involvement of the United States military in this international space project. The rocket originated from the United States but was modified in Australia for its specific mission requirements. This collaborative effort demonstrated the global nature of early space exploration programs.

### Technical Specifications
As a three-stage rocket, Sparta represented a significant advancement in launch vehicle technology at the time. Its design allowed for the precise delivery of small satellites into orbit, which was a critical capability in the early days of space exploration. The rocket's specifications included adaptations from the Redstone system, modified to meet the specific requirements of the WRESAT mission.

### International Significance
The Sparta rocket launch represented more than just a national achievement for Australia. It demonstrated the global nature of space exploration during the Cold War era, with American technology being utilized for a national space program in another country. This mission occurred when space exploration was closely tied to national prestige and technological advancement on the international stage.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet