§ 8. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Technology what estimate he has made of the cost and time scale of mounting Black Knight on top of Blue Streak to give Great Britain a national satellite launching capability.
Mr. StonehonseStudies carried out at the R.A.E. indicate that a simple combination of these two vehicles could not put a satellite into geostationary orbit.
§ Mr. MartenIs the Minister aware that I think industry would take a different view of the matter? Has the Royal Aircraft Establishment consulted industry about this? Will he indicate that this can be done?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe Royal Aircraft Establishment is in very close touch with the Departments concerned. I see no reason why we should dispute the result of the work which the R.A.E. has done in this matter.