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// space science · 1971

Prospero

British Satellite. Prospero was launched on October 28, 1971 aboard a Black Arrow from Woomera. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1971-093ANORAD 5580United Kingdom

Identity

Name in GCAT
Prospero
Payload designation
X-3
International designator
1971-093A
NORAD catalog number
5580
GCAT identifier
S05580
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.240

Mission

Mission type
Space science
Use
Civil government
Program
UKX
Owner
RAE
Country
United Kingdom
Builder
British Aircraft Corp.
Platform (bus)
X-3

Launch

Date
October 28, 1971 · 04:09 UTC
Launch record
1971-093Success
Rocket
Black Arrow
Spaceport
Woomera · pad LA5B

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/I
Perigee
545 km
Apogee
1,580 km
Inclination
82.06°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
February 2023
End of operations
1989

Size

Mass
66 kg
Dry mass
66 kg
Length
0.7 m
Diameter
1.10 m
Span
1.1 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q282184 (CC0).