MASER 10, was launched from the Esrange Site, near Kiruna in northern Sweden. The launch of the 441st Skylark sounding rocket marks the end of 50 years of outstanding scientific research that has included investigations into atmospheric conditions, X-ray astronomy, land use and the effects of microgravity. The Skylark 7 is a two-stage rocket, powered by a "Goldfinch" boost stage and a "Raven XI" main stage motor, which can carry a payload weighing 380 kilograms to an altitude of 230 kilometres.
High winds delayed the launch until Monday at 0430 UT from the original Sunday launch. The tests will experience about six minutes of "weightlessness", allowing scientists to examine the physical processes at play that would otherwise be masked by the effects of gravity in a surface laboratory. The Maser 10 payload will be recovered by helicopter after it has parachuted back to Earth. Read more
