Thread: Britain sent up its first satellite 50 years ago

Britain sent up its first satellite 50 years ago when Ariel 1 launched on 26 April, 1962.

Like the USA, we were using converted ICBM's as launch vehicles. We were looking good as
experts in this field until some dpistick member of parliament declared that 'there was no
financial incentive to invest in a satellite launch system' - how short sighted was that ?

What satellite was that?

Ariel 1/UK-1/S-55

Was made by NASA, by the way.

Happy belated first satellite from Britain day! I don't think I will ever understand how anyone could say there is no incentive to continue funding progression like this.