A replica of the Prospero satellite is being made by Nettlestone and Seaview Shed (NaShers) in partnership with the Wight Aviation Museum (WAM) for display in the museum.
NaSher, Paul Carey volunteers at WAM and suggested NaShers might fabricate the project while WAM volunteers were busy preparing a new display, celebrating the Island’s contribution to aerospace, ready for the 50th anniversary of the satellite’s launch, 28th October 1971.
Community effort
Both institutions are registered charities so NaShers enthusiastically got their teeth into the project. The full size replica has been designed by Paul from photographs of the original.
Geoff Howells, Bob Marshall and Rob Webb are providing highly skilled support in the making of the replica. Final touches and display presentation will be undertaken in the museum.
Black Arrow
Prospero was launched by Black Arrow a British satellite carrier rocket built at Cowes and tested at the Needles before launching the Satellite in Woomera, Australia.
The Wight Aviation Museum has built a full size replica which is displayed at the museum in Sandown.
Purpose of the satellite
The Prospero satellite, also known as the X-3 was designed to undertake a series of experiments to study the effects of space environment on communications satellites and remained operational until 1973, after which it was contacted annually for over 25 years.
It is in a low Earth orbit, and is not expected to decay until about 2070, almost 100 years after its launch.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Nettlestone and Seaview Shed (NaShers). Ed
Images: © Rob Webb
