Orba

Launch Failure

Liftoff Time (GMT)

00:34:00

Wednesday September 2, 1970

Watch Replay

Official Livestream

Mission Details

Launch Notes

First orbital launch of the Black Arrow rocket. Failed to reach orbit due to the second stage cutting off 13 seconds too early.

Orba

Wiki

Orba, also known as X-2, was going to be the first satellite launched by a British rocket. Orba's mission was to observe upper atmosphere density by monitoring the decay of the satellites orbit.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

14 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Black Arrow

Active 1970 to 1971

Royal Aircraft Establishment logo

Agency

RAE

Rocket

Height: 13m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 135 kg

Liftoff Thrust

256 Kilonewtons

Stages

3

Launch Site

LA-5B

RAAF Woomera Range Complex, Australia

Fastest Turnaround

421 days 3 hours

Stats

Black Arrow


1st

Mission

1st

Mission of 1970

Royal Aircraft Establishment


1st

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1970

1970


76th

Orbital launch attempt