Failure
Castor & Pollux
Earth Science
National Center of Space Research(CNES)Government
Diamant B
LEOorbit
Dual French scientific satellites. Lost due to launch vehicle failure.
Monday, May 21, 1973 at 8:47 AM
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#1,454
CNES Mission
#11
Pad Launch
#5
Location Launch
#6
Launch Window
NET
May 21, 1973, 8:47 AM
Schedule Changes
1 update
Diamant B Specs
The Diamant rocket (Diamant is French for "diamond") was the first exclusively French expendable launch system and at the same time the first satellite launcher not built by either the United States or USSR. As such, it has been referred to as being a key predecessor for all subsequent European launcher projects.
Length
23.5 m
Diameter
1.34 m
Launch Mass
18 t
Thrust
396 kN
LEO Capacity
160 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1970
Fastest Turnaround
4mo 3d
Total Launches
5
Successful
3
Failed
2
Consecutive Success
0
Maiden flight: Mar 10, 1970
National Center of Space Research
The National Center of Space Research, or CNES, is a French National Agency in charge of France's space program. In partnership with the US and Russia, they have put 10 people in space. CNES works in tandem with the larger ESA to develop the Ariane 5 and work on other probes and satellites. They are working with Germany to develop a cheaper and more efficient reusable rocket, which hopefully will be ready to fly by 2026.
Founded
1961
Administrator
CEO: François Jacq
Total Launches
14
Successful
12
Failed
2
Pending
1
Consecutive Success
3
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Timezone
America/Cayenne
Local Launch Time
May 21, 1973, 5:47 AM
Total Launches
333
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
5.1690, -52.6903