Model, of Europa III satellite launcher

This model of the proposed Europa III satellite launcher was built in 1972. It shows a possible configuration of the Europa rocket. This configuration of Europa never flew - the whole programme was cancelled in 1971.

The model is built to a scale of 1:10 and comprises four separate sections. The first section is the Blue Streak first stage. Attached to the top of this is the second stage. The extreme tip of this section houses the satellite, the third stage of the proposed rocket. The two solid rocket boosters complete the layout.

The European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) was formed following discussions between France and Britain in 1961 about potential European collaboration to produce a satellite launcher. The first stage of 'Europa' was the cancelled Blue Streak long range ballistic missile built by Britain. The second and third stages were built by France and Germany respectively, with the payload encased in two glass fibre shells built in Italy. The 'Europa' rocket flew only seven test launches, all of them considered failures. Eventually in 1971, ELDO cancelled the Europa Rocket programme. Europa was a failure but paved the way for Ariane and the European Space Agency.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.