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" />
- Cohete Rigel.jpg
Rigel sounding rocket
- Cohete Rigel R-09.jpg
Rigel R-09 sounding rocket
- CSA Rigel.png
Rigel sounding rocket
LaunchesEdit
Rigel was launched from CELPA between 1967 and 1974. The following table was compiled from the available sources and is incomplete:<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />
| 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 |