Belier at Musée de l'air et de l'espace
Belier rocket
Sud-Aviation Belier rockets evolution

Bélier is the designation of a French sounding rocket family.[1][2] 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.[2][3][4][5]

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.[6][7]

Versions

Belier I

The first Belier single stage rocket, powered by a Jericho motor.[3]

  • 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.[4]

  • 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.[5]

  • apogee: 109 km
  • takeoff weight: 400 kg
  • diameter: 0.31 m
  • length: 3.80 m

Belier III launches:[5]

Date Launch Site Nation Agency Apogee (km) Mission
1968 March 18 Biscarrose France CNES 0 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
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See also

References

  1. ↑ "Belier". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  2. 1 2 "Belier". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  3. 1 2 "Belier I". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  4. 1 2 "Belier II". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  5. 1 2 3 "Belier III". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  6. ↑ "Dragon". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  7. ↑ "Centaure". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
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