The UK's Skylark sub-orbital sounding rocket became the world's oldest operational space launcher on 13 February when its 40th anniversary was celebrated. A total of 431 Skylarks has been launched since the first Skylark flew from Woomera, South Australia in 1957. The current Matra Marconi Space Skylark 12 model can carry 200kg to 575km.

 

Source: Flight International