50 years have gone by since the UK's one – and only – homegrown foray into orbit

Hopefully not another half century before the next... although launchpads are pricey

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the UK joining an elite club of one: nations that gained the ability to launch satellites into orbit and then discarded the skill. The one – and only – successful orbital launch of the Black Arrow took place in 1971.…

from The Register