Isle of Wight charities create full-sized Black Arrow satellite

It is so true to the original that it would fit perfectly inside the Black Arrow R3 rocket which carried the real satellite into space half a century ago.

Yesterday (Thursday), the 50th anniversary of the successful launch was marked by the Wight Aviation Museum and The Needles New Battery.

An event at Sandown Airport saw the official unveiling of a replica of the rocket, and many of those who worked on the project ­— both the original and the replica ­— were in attendance.

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

Read more: VIDEO Wight Aviation Museum rocket unveiled on launch anniversary

But while a replica of the rocket was made by East Cowes boatbuilding firm AMC Marine, an equally impressive mirror image of the satellite housed in the 1971 original was made by two registered charities in Nettlestone and Seaview Shed (NaShers) and the Wight Aviation Museum (WAM).

The completed X3 Prospero satellite replica, hanging at the Wight Aviation Museum.

Paul Carey, who volunteers for both organisations, suggested NaShers might fabricate the project while WAM volunteers were busy preparing a new display to celebrate the Island’s contribution to aerospace.

NaShers enthusiastically got their teeth into the project, with Geoff Howells, Bob Marshall and Rob Webb all working on the full-size replica.

The model was designed by Paul, who worked from photographs of the original, and the presentation and final details were completed in the museum.

Paul Carey with Wight Aviation Museum director and chairperson, Helen Blake.

You can visit the museum and admire the tireless work of those involved in the project, as well as many other displays, giving an insight into the Island's rich aviation history.

It is open four days a week, from Saturday to Tuesday, and an official opening is scheduled for March, 2021.