In times long past, before the European Space Agency was a functional entity launching from French Guiana, as it does now, they launches their Europa rockets from Woomera, under the ELDO project. For more details, see the Eldo page at Mark T Rigby's Woomera on the Web Site

In its prime, this was obviously a spectacular site. Mark's page will tell you more about this tim. Its since been blown up, which is unfortunate. But, even blown up it is a spectacular site.

Its this spectacular nature which I focus on here. Somehow, large concrete structures really do something for me. They're our version of the Greek ruins. Sure, they don't have the same history, but heck they still have a real visual impact.I was dazed while I was walking around. Wow. it was spectacular. Here's what it looks like from a distance :

And a bit closer ...

Here's a view of the left hand side :

And the pillars which used to support the road going to the main launcher. My gosh, it reminds me so much of so many science fiction scenes. "Things to Come" and "The Martian Chronicles" come to mind ...

I've no idea of what this was, but it looked worth photographing ...

From the other side of the launcher, you could see the flame trench.

We climed up the inside of it, before I went up, I took a photo of the others in our group which did ...

Inside the flame trench, I took a photo of the top of the trench where the rocket sat.

And also the dry lake next to the launcher ...

Launch area 6a is a very spectacular site. I was fortunate in being able to visit it along with the ASRI activities I participated in.