With nearly 100 years of involvement in spaceflight, Britain has a rich history that is often overlooked in favour of space programs from around the world. In this series, I delve deep into this fascinating saga, replete with triumph and tragedy, to tell the full story. This is the history of Britain in space, told like never before.
Welcome to The History of Britain in Space, episode 1. Chronicling the rise, fall and legacy of perhaps the most understated, yet influential of all of Britain’s rockets from yesteryear. Hear the full story of how it came to life and how it shaped present-day spaceflight in Europe. From it’s beginnings as a nuclear deterrent to the backbone of Europa, ESA and Ariane rockets, this is the story of the Blue Streak.
TIMESTAMPS
Intro 00:00 – 01:30
Genesis of Ambition 01:30 – 03:25
Engineering Masterminds 03:25 – 06:56
Powerful Propulsion & Testing 06:56 – 09:14
To Earth Orbit & Beyond 09:14 – 12:21
Britain’s Apollo 12:21 – 14:02
Problems, Politics & a Project Shift 14:02 – 17:04
Enter the Black Prince 17:05 – 19:04
First Flights and Europa 19:05 – 25:01
An Enduring Legacy 25:02 – 30:33
Credits 30:33 – 31:20
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#BlueStreak #UKSpace #history #BritishSpaceProgram #spacedocumentary
24 Comments
A pre-viewing "thank you" for your film-making efforts, Tom (our friendly 'Scottish Host'); I'm sure it will earn a "like" from 20,000kms away.
Hello from New Zealand.
👏🎥🕷🕸👍🌏🖐👤🇳🇿🦎🌴☀️🌊
What a fascinating and informative documentary. I knew so little about Blue Streak and how its lineage can be traced to the modern Ariane family of rockets. Truly outstanding work Tom 👏
Wow awesome, thanks Tom.
I've been waiting for this forever, and even considered doing something myself ten or twenty times.
Have you read "A Vertical Empire" or "Val Cleaver -a very English Rocketeer"?
One thing that always stood out for me was the folk around the launch pad wearing wooly hats, very British.
Great documentary; insightful and educational. This should be of value to any young British Spaceflight enthusiasts interested in the UKs Historical contribution; particular post-2018 newcomers to this new "Second Space Race" to the Moon.
I have a "Space Technology" book (Salamander, 1989), co-authored by Kenneth Gatland, past President of the British Interplanetary Society (11:15); member of the BIS Council 1945-81; and designer for Hawker Aircraft (Hurricane, Typhoon and Tempest). Mr Gatlands book, of course, references UK "Black Arrow (Prospero)", 1971 and ELDO "Europa II", 1971; but NOT "Blue Streak". Now, having watch your documentary, this does seem surprising.
A quality production of value to Spaceflight Observers; AND terminal Polymaths that somehow enjoy "brushing the cobwebs off History" (Dust Never Sleeps), particularly British History; both of which this Kiwi subscribes.
Well done Tom, great video. I've shared it out on my socials.
Amazing work, Tom. I consider myself fairly well educated on British spaceflight heritage, but I learnt a lot from this video. Good production standard, too!
After this, I am seriously looking forward to the second installment. Great work. Keep it up.
Tom, thank you for the amount of work you put into to a truly interesting and informative video. I know it’s hard work. Very much appreciated for the contribution you have made to the world.
Awesome I!!!!
Now…I had no idea that there has been a bit of the Blue Streak carrying on in space today!
I'm gonna have to watch this multiple times to absorb all of it.
This is an absolutely cracking doco, Tom! Exceedingly well done, indeed! Aloha!
To add to what others have said, that was really well narrated.
Well done.
This deserves more likes, subscribes, and comments everyone…
The Ariane 1 has nothing to do with the Blue Streak
Great video! Very informative! It’s a shame that the British didn’t proceed with their moon plans or find another purpose for Blue Streak.
I love and hate this video, because I’m watching it and thinking what could have been! Can’t believe this is from such a small channel. Will have to have a look why the Lunar projects were abandoned…
Well we got polaris and didnt need a land based ballistic missile. No one in Government wanted to launch satellites it was a cover story.
That's Altas, right?
Incredible research Tom, and footage you found.
I had no idea of how advanced a British Moon landing plan was, despite being a member of the BIS in the 70s.
Looking forward to part two, even though how the UK government acted 🙁
Yet another example of politicians destroying the UK.
What an excellent presentation! Thank you!
I would suggest watching the video by Alexander the OK of the black arrow, in case someone wants more engineering details.
Amazing video sire! Thank you ver much
Excellent job
finally, someone makes a decent documentary of Blue Streak and black prince.
well done
Very good, but please remove the intrusive synthetic muzak.
An excellent documentary – well done for highlighting Geoffrey Pardoe's contribution to the aerospace industry (admired his measured overview of the American space efforts). He is remembered by the Space award the RAes presents that bears his name.