Rigel (rocket)

Template:Short description Template:Infobox rocket Rigel was an Argentine two-stage sounding rocket used between 1967 and 1974,<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> featuring a Canopus 1 first stage and an Orion-2 second stage.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Designed for atmospheric and ionospheric research, it had a mass of 300 kg, a length of 6.3 meters, a diameter of 0.228 metres, and could reach altitudes up to 310 km.<ref name=":1" />

Seven launches were conducted, including experiments for atmospheric studies and barium releases to study ionospheric phenomena.<ref name=":2" /> Launches took place at CELPA and included both test and scientific missions.<ref name=":2" />

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  Rigel sounding rocket
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  Rigel R-09 sounding rocket
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  Rigel sounding rocket

Launches

Rigel was launched from CELPA between 1967 and 1974. The following table on launches, compiled from the available sources, is incomplete:<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />

Rigel flights

Date	Mission Type	Apogee
1967 December 16	Test flight
1969 September 12	Test flight	250 km (150 mi)
1969 December 22	Test flight	250 km (150 mi)
1972 November 2	MPE Barium release, EXP 63 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission	240 km (140 mi)
1972 November 4	MPE Barium release, EXP 64 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission	252 km (156 mi)
1972 November 11	MPE Barium release, EXP 65 Ionosphere mission	260 km (160 mi)
1973 November 18	Ionosphere mission, second stage test	250 km (150 mi)
1973 November 19	Ionosphere mission	260 km (160 mi)
1974 July 4	Operativo Astro X
1974 July 18	Operativo Astro X