If you thought that the postwar space race was only between America and Russia, this intriguing documentary sets the record straight. Believe it or not, British scientists were also hard at work, trying to launch satellites into orbit using steam-powered rockets, fuelled by an ingenious blend of hydrogen peroxide and a mysterious catalyst.
And, as Peter Snow (pictured) reveals, the madcap scheme worked, firing three test rockets. There was even a fourth Black Arrow rocket, which blasted Prospero X3 - Britain's first satellite, used to test solar cells - into orbit. The only successful British rocket launch to date, the satellite is still orbiting, a testament to the brilliance of Britain's backroom boffins.
But sadly, that's it. With no further government funding, the project - not fully appreciated at the time - was cancelled. Good then, that this poignant documentary - the best of a rather uneven series so far - gives credit where it's due.
Some of the documentary was filmed at the Center for Computing History. They have a news article and the documentary to watch on this page : http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/news/2494.htm
Hi, some of the footage was shot here at the Centre for Computing History. We have a link to the Elite documentary on our news page :
http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/news/2494.htm
August 14th - 10:35pmRobert Dyet said...
Cant wait top see this, I 1st saw this game on BBC (Computer not TV Station) and had it as soon as it was available on Commodore 64, was addicted to it for many years, till was forced but non supporting Industry to kill it off. with the onset of PC & better games. A real pity I have the boxed games an nowt to play them on. Will be good to watch "How Elite became a gaming classic"
Have you thought of making a programme about the ill-fated Tracked Hovercraft project? I was involved as structural engineer for the track in its later stages, and was mortified when it was axed by Michael Heseltine in about 1971. I was particularly impressed by Professor Eric Laithwaite’s work on linear motors, which eventually resulted in the maglev system now in use. The prototype test vehicle is now an exibit at the Railworld Museum here in Peterborough.
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