English: The third stage rocket for the Europe 2 satellite launcher - this German rocket was part of the first all European project to launch satellites into orbit.

The British Blue Streak rocket provided the first stage with a French second stage. These were fitted beneath Astris with the satellite above it. Once out of the atmosphere, Astris provided the power to place the satellite in the correct orbit.

The main fuel tank is at the top. The fuels were mixed together under pressure in the cone-shaped chamber at the bottom, igniting on contact with each other. The two small control engines at the front and back, allowed changes of direction or extra thrust.

Several failed launches, escalating costs, and doubts about the project undermined confidence. The British Government withdrew in 1969 and the project was abandoned in 1973. This is my own work, also hosted on my Flickr page https://www.flickr.com/photos/arthurjohnpicton/6528163399/

This rocket was built for test purposes, was first test fired in October 1968 and underwent several modifications during its life. It was also used for investigations into launch failures