THE 50th anniversary of the successful launch of the Black Arrow R3 rocket was celebrated earlier today (Thursday).

An event, which gave an insight into the Isle of Wight's rich aviation history, was held at Sandown Airport this afternoon.

A replica of the rocket, which carried Britain's X3 Prospero satellite into orbit, was made by East Cowes boatbuilding firm AMC Marine.

It was on display for all to see, and many of those who worked on the project ­— both the replica and the original ­— were in attendance.

Rockets were tested on the Isle of Wight from the 1950s, before a successful launch on October 28, 1971.

Read more: VIDEO Isle of Wight Black Arrow 50 years after satellite launch

They were tested at Highdown and the New Battery before the space race was even made official in Britain, with the project moving to a remote part of south Australia for the 1971 launch.

A number of Islanders accompanied Black Arrow to the Woomera launch site.