[FPSPACE] UK's first orbital attempt

[Gunter Krebs]

Orba was X-2. The second payload was an instrument package, which was
refered by the designator "**R-2 Instrument Package"

The instrument package was a cylinder between the upper stage and the
Orba-Payload and contained instruments to record the flight characteristics.
It was to remain connected with the upper stage.

Gunter Krebs

2009/8/31 Phillip Clark <phillipclark at btinternet.com>

>  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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