High Altitude Rocket Project

HC Deb 05 December 1955 vol 547 cc1-2

1. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Supply what stage preparations to launch high altitude rockets have now reached.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

The high altitude rocket project for research in the upper atmosphere is making good progress. Work is being carried out at the Ministry of Supply's Royal Aircraft Establishment which is responsible for the vehicle itself. The design of this is now complete; it will be some 25 feet long and 17 inches in diameter, powered by a solid propellant motor. Six university departments are also collaborating through the Royal Society in the project. Their contribution includes the provision of the equipment to take measurements at altitudes ranging from 20 to 120 miles. The first trial firings are expected to take place at Woomera, Australia, in the second half of next year.

Captain Pilkington

Can my hon. Friend indicate how our progress compares with that of other countries?

Mr. Erroll

Not without notice.