Astrophysics
Weapons Research Establishment(WRE)GovernmentAustralian satellite carrying four astrophysics experiments.
Orbital Attempt
#779
WRE Mission
#1
Pad Launch
#1
Location Launch
#1
Designator
1967-118
Nov 29, 1967, 4:49 AM
1 update
The RAAF Woomera Range Complex (WRC) is a major Australian military and civil aerospace facility and operation located in South Australia, approximately 450 km (280 mi) north-west of Adelaide. The WRC is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a Service of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The complex has a land area of 122,188 km2 (47,177 sq mi) or roughly the size of North Korea or Pennsylvania. The airspace above the area is restricted and controlled by the RAAF for safety and security. The WRC is a highly specialised ADF test and evaluation capability operated by the RAAF for the purposes of testing defence materiel.
Timezone
Australia/Adelaide
Local Launch Time
Nov 29, 1967, 2:19 PM
Total Launches
6
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
-30.9553, 136.5322
The Sparta was a three-stage rocket that launched Australia's first Earth satellite, WRESAT, on 29 November 1967.
Length
21.8 m
Diameter
1.78 m
Launch Mass
30 t
Thrust
416 kN
LEO Capacity
45 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1966
Total Launches
1
Successful
1
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
1
Maiden flight: Nov 28, 1966
The Weapons Research Establishment was an Australian government entity dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia's defence and national security needs.
Founded
1955
Total Launches
1
Successful
1
Failed
0
Pending
0
Consecutive Success
1