Bélier (rocket)
Bélier is the designation of a French sounding rocket family.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Three versions of the Bélier were launched between 1961 and 1970 at the CIEES launch facility at Hammaguir, the Salto di Quirra and Ile du Levant missile ranges, and Kourou Space Center.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
After its retirement, the Bélier was used as a stage for a family of solid-propellant rockets, including the Centaure, the Dragon, the Dauphin and the Éridan.<ref name=":02">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Versions
Belier I
The first Belier single stage rocket, powered by a Jericho motor.<ref name=":2" />
- payload: 30 kg
- apogee: 80 km
- takeoff thrust: 20.00 kN
- takeoff weight: 313 kg
- diameter: 0.31 m
- length: 4.01 m
- fin span: 0.78 m
Belier II
Upgraded Belier single stage rocket, using 'Plastolite' propellant.<ref name=":3" />
- payload: 30 kg
- apogee: 130 km
- takeoff thrust: 21.50 kN
- takeoff weight: 352 kg
- diameter: 0.31 m
- length: 5.90 m
- fin span: 0.78 m
Belier III
Upgraded Belier single stage rocket, powered by a Vega motor using 'Isolane' propellant.<ref name=":4" />
- apogee: 109 km
- takeoff weight: 400 kg
- diameter: 0.31 m
- length: 3.80 m
Belier III launches:<ref name=":4" />
| Date | Launch Site | Nation | Agency | Apogee (km) | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 March 18 | Biscarrose | France | CNES | 0 | Template:Failure |
| 1968 May 14 | Salto di Quirra | Europe | CNES, ESRO | 130 | Test mission |
| 1969 March 6 | Kourou Space Center | France | CNES | 100 | Test mission |
| 1969 September 25 | Biscarrose | France | ONERA | 60 | CRAPEL/ELECTRE re-entry vehicle test flight |
See also
References
<references />Template:French rockets