Black Arrow arrives in Midlothian

Fifty years later Black Arrow the UK’s first and only rocket to successfully place a satellite into orbit was unveiled after a 10,000-mile journey home. 

The projectile will be exhibited in a storage facility in Penicuik, Midlothian following efforts by Edinburgh space company Skyrora to successfully transport the rocket from the Australian outback to the UK to be used for educational outreach.

  • Professor Stephen Salter who worked on the Black Arrow predecessor Black Knight. Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • John Davies, rocket scientist.Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Vladimir Levykin, Derek Mack (original Black Arrow, engineering designer), Mike Kelloway (original Black Arrow, engineering designer) and Daniel Smith. Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Owain Hughes (Partnership Manager), Vladimir Levykin (CEO) and Daniel Smith (Operations Manager)from Skyrora at the unveiling of Black Arrow. Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation was fired-up about the opportunities for the Scottish Space industry. Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Mike Taylor, Markets and International Programme Director at the UK Space Agency hopes that a new generation of rocket scientists will be inspired by Black Arrow. Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Air Vice-Marshal Simon “Rocky” Rochelle of the Royal Air Force casting a space spell on the audience at the Skyrora unveiling of the Black Arrow Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Doug Millard from the London Science Museum in full passionate space mode. Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019
  • The rocket is 6 metres long Skyrora – Black Arrow unveiling in Edinburgh 2019

We interviewed some of the dignitaries at the event, including Vladimir Levykin CEO of Skyrora and Ivan McKee Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation. Listen below.