High Down Rocket Test Site

Hidden on a cliff face next to the Needles on the Isle Of Wight was Britain’s answer to NASA. A secret rocket site at High Down, where the Black Arrow and Black Knight rockets were tested to launch the Prospero satellite. Not much remains apart for the giant concrete structures used to channel the flames of the rockets into the sea and that lovely big rusty blast door. Oh I do love a bit of rust. There is also a little museum dedicated to the history which is quaint but well worth a look.

This trip was in September 2013. It’s a very recommend walk from the Needles car park around the cliff road leading to the High Down Test Site and the Needles Battery which I will upload photos at another time.

For all info on this wonderful piece of history please see the links at the bottom of the page and watch the very informative video on Youtube.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.
All the best….. Dubman and Streylock

This is how it looked back in the day

Streylock’s face says it all. Very excited.

Sure theres a blast door around here somewhere!! Ooooo hello.

Streylock in action

It’s really beautiful there.

Cardboard computer set up project. Great idea and effective.

Shia Labeouf on the control dials

Black Arrow Rocket

The Prospero satellite, also known as the X-3

Suited and booted.

Dubman checking the concrete

Spreads (Streylock) and Dub 28/09/2013 Cute or a tad gay hehe can’t decide.