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]
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]
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 |
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