Ths is the image of the week taken from the Flight space archives.
This look likes like the inaugural flight of Ariane 1, on December 1979, with a shroud
of mist condensing around the upper stage as they fend off moist air.
Caption :
"I reapeat, NORAD : a European rocket that actually flies"
.
***, mon dear ami !!!
Are vous talking sérieusement ?
Il a été our Diamant le first fusée european to fly dans l'espace on Novembre 26, 1965, quatorze years before son son Ariane 1 .......
Hi Loader,
There is a problem with your Web site because if I click on the rocket picture, I end up with last week space dog, and I have to click on Previous to see the Picture of the Week.
If you want lots of funny captions, try old space photographs with people inside; anything will do.
Regards,
Trainspotter
You are right, Rapier, the French are Europeans, no doubts about it, but then, so are the Russians - aren't they?
As you guessed, my caption was refering to Eldo's sad record.
BTW, I just saw the A380 flying over Montréal for the first time. United Europe has come a long way.
OK, Mr. Trainspotter,
undoubtedly, in a broad sense, the Russians can be considered European, but, allow me, how much European was the Soviet Union in those days ?
Greetings.
R.
The image shows the European Space Agency's maiden flight of its Ariane-1 rocket from its spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 24 December 1979, four years after ESA was created. Work on the first Ariane launcher began as early as 1974 using the then new technology of combining liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The first flight was scheduled for 15 December 1979. On that day in front of a large audience the countdown started and the motor underneath the launcher lit and then went out. The fault was not serious and the launch was rescheduled for 23 December. But then bad weather and a few small problems led to yet another delay. The next attempt proved to be third time lucky. On 24 December at 14:14h local time Ariane-1 lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The Ariane-1 had 11 successful launches between 1979 and 1986 when it ceased operations.
No contest.
CHRISTMAS EVE 1979: HOUSTON, TEXAS.
Southern Baptists outside Johnson Space Center hold a prayer vigil.
They hold up crucifixes to their TV sets calling on God to strike down their rivals launch vehicle.
...God tries hard but all he can manage is a little puff of smoke.
Amen .....