BLACK ARROW — Britain’s Orbital Rocket

When we landed in London this weekend, the first stop was the Space Exhibit at the Science Museum.

This is the first stage of the British BLACK ARROW rocket. The eight motors gimbal in pairs for thrust control (no fins). It had four launches over 1969 – 1971, and eared Britain the unique distinction of being the only country to launch a satellite in orbit, but not to maintain that capability.