Artist’s vision of
Ariel 1 satellite (Credit: NASA)
The first satellite to carry experiments devised and operated by UK universities including UCL was launched 50 years ago today. The launch of 'Ariel 1' marked Britain's first step into space, making it the world's third space-faring nation. The satellite carried six scientific experiments designed and built by British space scientists. Four of these six experiments were designed and built by UCL. The leading figure behind the UCL experiments was Professor Harrie Massey. Professor Massey joined UCL in 1938 and was made head of the UCL Physics department in 1950. He remained its head after the department was merged with Astronomy in 1973 and retired in 1975.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
