Skylark

SKYLARK originated in 1955 when the Royal Society embarked on a programme of upper atmosphere research associated with the International Geophysical Year of 1957/58.

Skylark was part of the British space research program up until around 1965.

Initially the project called for an unguided, fin-stabilized vehicle capable of lifting a 45kg scientific payload to an altitude of around 100km. By collaboration with the royal aircraft establishment (RAE) at Farnborough this requirement progressed quickly to the design and construction of the first SKYLARK in 1956.

By the final launch in 2005 Skylark was twice as powerful with a payloads of 1/3 ton and a Apogee of 850 km (520 mi).