Prospero (spacecraft)

It was designed to undertake a series of experiments to study the effects of the space environment on communications satellites and remained operational until 1973, after which it was contacted annually for over 25 years.

[7] When the Ministry of Defence cancelled the Black Arrow programme, the development team decided to continue with the project but renamed the satellite Prospero when it was announced it would be the last launch attempt using a British rocket.

[10] The Black Arrow's final stage Waxwing rocket also entered orbit, "rather too enthusiastically", as it continued to thrust after separation and collided with Prospero, detaching one of the satellite's four radio antennae.

[5] In regular operation real time data support was provided by a Science Research Council station at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

[6][14] In September 2011 a team at University College London's Mullard Space Science Laboratory announced plans to re-establish communications with Prospero, in time for the satellite's 40th anniversary.

Remains of the first stage of the British Black Arrow three stage rocket, showing the eight nozzles of its Gamma engine. This portion of the rocket is now in the Memorial Park at William Creek, South Australia , having been recovered from the surrounding Anna Creek Station .