[FPSPACE] UK's first orbital attempt

[Phillip Clark]

According to my memory, the first orbital attempt of the UK's Black Arrow launcher in September 1970 carried two satellites which were called X-2 and Orba.   I have been trying to find some details of these satellites but online I am finding that listings seem to claim that X-2 and Orba were the same satellite.

Maybe this confusion has arisen because the next launch carried a single satellite called X-3 before launch but renamed Prospero once in orbit.

On the other hand. perhaps my memory is totally failing me and X-2 = Orba.

Can anyone clarify, please?

Of course, the successful launch of Prospero in 1971 is unique in that the UK joined the "launcher club" only to promptly resign because the Black Arrow programme had already been cancelled!   Only we Brits would do that.

Phillip Clark
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