Tacite (rocket)
The inaugural member of ONERA sounding rockets fleet, the Tacite (Tentative d'Analyse du Contraste Infrarouge Terre-Espace, for Attempt to Analyze the Earth-Space Infrared Contrast), was a single-stage vehicle, used between 1965 and 1968.[1][2][3][4]
Description[edit]
Designed and developed by the Office national d'études et de recherches aérospatiales (ONERA), it was a single-stage vehicle equipped with a SEPR 739-2' Stromboli engine fueled by Plastoline' propellant, offering a propulsion duration of 20 seconds.[1][3][4] The rocket incorporates small nitrogen ejection nozzles to induce rotation and employs aerodynamic stabilization by a cruciform tailfin.[1][3][2]
With a total mass of 1738 kg (excluding the useful tip), Tacite reached a height of nearly 8 meters. It had the capability to propel a 285 kg payload to an altitude of 160 km.[1][3]
Launches[edit]
Operational between 1965 and 1968, this rocket underwent four launches, experiencing one failure.[1][3][2]
| Date | Launch Site | Mission Description | Agency | Apogee (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 June 15 | Biscarosse | Infrared Horizon Study Aeronomy | ONERA | 182 |
| 1967 Nov 23 | Ile du Levant | FU-169 X-ray astronomy | CNES | Failure |
| 1968 May 15 | Ile du Levant | Earth Infrared Aeronomy | CNES | 175 |
| 1968 Oct 15 | Ile du Levant | Sun pointing test / Solar observations | CNES | 140 |
See also[edit]
- Tibère (rocket)
- Bèrènice
- Antarès (OPd-56-39-22D)
- Mélanie (rocket)
- Veronique (rocket)
- French space program
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e Serra, Jean-Jacques (2013-01-15). "Fusées de l'ONERA". Les fusées en Europe. Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
- ^ a b c "La fusée Tacite". Les fusées et les spationautes européens. 1999. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e Wade, Mark (2019). "Tacite". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
- ^ a b Krebs, Gunter D. (2023). "SEPR-739". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-11-14.