Encyclopedia Astronautica
Skylark 3 AC


British sounding rocket.

Failures: 8. Success Rate: 85.45%. First Fail Date: 1966-11-18. Last Fail Date: 1971-02-26.

Gross mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb).
Height: 12.70 m (41.60 ft).
Diameter: 0.44 m (1.44 ft).
Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).
First Launch: 1965.10.20.
Last Launch: 1978.12.13.
Number: 55 .

More... - Chronology...


Associated Countries
See also
  • Skylark The Skylark sounding rocket (originally named the Gassiot High Altitude Vehicle) was produced by the Royal Aircraft Establishment and first introduced in 1957, during the International Geophysical Year. It remained in European service until 2005. More...

Associated Manufacturers and Agencies
Associated Launch Sites
  • Woomera After World War II British government recognized the need for a large range to test the incredible array of long-range missile systems then planned. After considering sites in Canada, it was decided that Australia would best meet the projected needs. The Long Range Weapons Establishment was created on 1 April 1947 as a joint British/Australian enterprise. 23 days later the name Woomera (an aboriginal word of axtlaxtl, or spear thrower) was selected for the new town to be built as its administrative center. Woomera town peaked at a population of 6,000 in the 1960's. Thereafter the progressive cancellation of British missile and space projects put Woomera went into sustained decline. However it played a key role in the history of rocketry, including orbital launches or launch attempts by Black Arrow, Sparta, and Europa boosters. More...
  • Salto di Quirra Salto di Quirra, in southeast Sardinia near the town of Perdas de Fogu, is an inter-service missile test center operated by the Italian Air Force. It also supports sounding rocket launches and test of larger rockets in support of Italy's abandoned ballistic missile and on-and-of satellite launcher programs. More...
  • El Arenosillo Spanish sounding rocket launch location known to have been used for 335 launches from 1966 to 1994, reaching up to 700 kilometers altitude. More...
  • Woomera LA2 Stonechat, Skylark, Rook, Jaguar, Black Brant, Lorikeet, Long Tom, Kookaburra, HAD, Corella, Cockatoo, Aero High launch complex. Sounding rocket launcher More...

Associated Stages
  • Skylark 3-2 Solid rocket stage. 52.50 kN (11,802 lbf) thrust. Mass 1,200 kg (2,646 lb). More...
  • Zenit C-0 Solid propellant rocket stage. Loaded mass 200 kg. Thrust 80.00 kN. More...

Skylark 3 AC Chronology


1965 October 20 - . 05:20 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL306.
  • LUX Solar AC4 Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 214 km (132 mi).

1966 February 2 - . 23:15 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL307.
  • LUX Solar AC5 Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 216 km (134 mi).

1966 May 5 - . 04:14 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL304.
  • Solar X-rays / La / Cell test Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi).

1966 November 18 - . 01:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL481. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi).

1966 December 8 - . 14:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL405. FAILURE: Failure.
  • LUX / Culham Solar AC6 Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1967 March 14 - . 06:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL406.
  • LUX / Culham Solar AC7 Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1967 April 27 - . 04:31 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL682.
  • Test mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi).

1967 August 8 - . 03:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL305.
  • Solar spectra Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 182 km (113 mi).

1967 November 1 - . 04:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL407.
  • LUX / Culham Solar AC8 Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi).

1968 July 8 - . 06:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL403.
  • Virgo X-ray X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

1968 August 29 - . 19:43 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL501.
  • UK SL501 Ionosphere / solar x-rays mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1968 November 22 - . 11:16 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC ESRO S41/1.
  • Solar BCS Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1968 December 5 - . 00:35 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL601.
  • Ultraviolet solar camera Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE; RAE. Apogee: 182 km (113 mi).

1969 April 17 - . 05:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL606.
  • UK SL606 Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 202 km (125 mi).

1969 April 22 - . 03:31 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL604.
  • UK SL604 Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 181 km (112 mi).

1969 May 14 - . 02:44 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL404.
  • UK SL404 Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 178 km (110 mi).

1969 August 21 - . 01:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL605.
  • HRCS / PHC Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 197 km (122 mi).

1969 October 20 - . 07:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL586.
  • UK SL586 test - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 223 km (138 mi).

1969 November 18 - . 02:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL602. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Fresnel shadowgraph X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 208 km (129 mi).

1969 November 20 - . 00:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL801.
  • Solar ultraviolet Spectrum / PHC Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi).

1969 November 26 - . 23:32 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL603.
  • Solar ultraviolet FP / PHC Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

1970 February 10 - . 14:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S72. FAILURE: Failure.
  • ESRO S72 Ultraviolet astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC; ESRO. Apogee: 244 km (151 mi).

1970 March 18 - . 22:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL901.
  • X-ray BCS Sco X-1 X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 208 km (129 mi).

1970 March 19 - . 15:18 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL401.
  • Ultraviolet Schmidt Objective Prism Ultraviolet astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 181 km (112 mi).

1970 March 24 - . 22:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL802.
  • X-ray Survey X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 179 km (111 mi).

1970 April 7 - . 03:20 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL803.
  • Solar ultraviolet echelle Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 204 km (126 mi).

1970 July 15 - . 14:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL811.
  • Extreme ultraviolet OGS Ultraviolet astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 164 km (101 mi).

1970 October 16 - . 00:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S53. FAILURE: Failure.
  • ESRO S53 Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC; ESRO. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi).

1970 October 19 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S58. FAILURE: Failure.
  • ESRO S58 Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC; ESRO. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1970 November 11 - . 04:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL905.
  • X-ray Survey X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi).

1970 November 19 - . 22:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL904.
  • XRB anisotropy X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi).

1970 November 24 - . 22:13 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL804.
  • X-ray crystal spectrometer Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 182 km (113 mi).

1971 January 29 - . 08:25 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1001.
  • XRB anisotropy X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi).

1971 February 22 - . 11:40 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S85. FAILURE: Failure.
  • ESRO S85 Ultraviolet astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC; ESRO. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi).

1971 February 26 - . 10:18 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S54. FAILURE: Failure.
  • ESRO S54 Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

1971 March 11 - . 08:56 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S55.
  • ESRO S55 X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 159 km (98 mi).

1971 July 2 - . 10:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S73.
  • ESRO S73 Solar X-ray/Zodiacal mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 224 km (139 mi).

1971 October 20 - . 09:40 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S89.
  • ESRO S89 X-ray Astronomy mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1971 November 30 - . 05:59 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1101.
  • HRCS / X-ray imager Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi).

1971 December 10 - . 04:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL903.
  • X-ray BCS Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi).

1972 February 28 - . 05:54 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S84.
  • ESRO S84 Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi).

1972 February 28 - . 09:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S90.
  • ESRO S90 Solar ultraviolet mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 251 km (155 mi).

1972 June 25 - . 14:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S91.
  • ESRO S91 X-ray Astronomy mission - . Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 213 km (132 mi).

1972 October 26 - . 04:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1003.
  • X-ray BCS / RMC Solar x-ray mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 195 km (121 mi).

1972 December 7 - . 05:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1202.
  • GX5-1 Lunar Occultation X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 248 km (154 mi).

1972 December 11 - . 00:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1005.
  • Ions / O2 Ionosphere mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 196 km (121 mi).

1973 January 30 - . 06:35 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1205.
  • GX2+5 Lunar Occultation X-ray astronomy mission - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 234 km (145 mi).

1973 July 17 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1291.
  • Aeronomy mission? - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1974 July 22 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1292.
  • Ionosphere mission? - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1975 February 28 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1293.
  • Ionosphere mission? - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1976 January 4 - . 15:30 GMT - . Launch Site: El Arenosillo. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC DLR H-CR-69.
  • Winter Anomaly B-II-1 Aeronomy / ionosphere / solar ultraviolet / x-ray mission - . Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi).

1976 January 21 - . 15:31 GMT - . Launch Site: El Arenosillo. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC DLR H-CR-71.
  • Winter Anomaly B-II-2 Aeronomy / ionosphere / solar ultraviolet / x-ray mission - . Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi).

1977 June 8 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1298.
  • Ionosphere mission? - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1978 November 15 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1296.
  • Ionosphere mission? - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1978 December 13 - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1297.
  • Ionosphere mission? - . Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

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