Skylark is an upper atmosphere rocket designed to carry a payload of 150 lb. to a height of 100 miles. The project was the outcome of discussions between the Royal Society and the Ministry of Supply which started in 1953 and were completed in 1955 when Treasury approval was given for a joint Royal Society-Ministry of Supply programme of upper atmosphere research using a vehicle to be designed by the Royal Aircraft Establishment. The programme was the responsibility of the Gassiot Committee of the Royal Society, matters of detail being agreed at a working party and endorsed by the Gassiot Rocket Sub-committee.