Astérix

Astérix is the first satellite built and launched by France. It has the shape of two cones assembled together and has 4 antennas. The purpose of the satellite was above all to test Diamant A's performance and to record and transmit the flight telemetry. Unfortunately, the antennas of the satellite were damaged during the separation of the fairing, and the satellite emitted only weakly. The recorded signals could still be transmitted to the French radio station. Six prototypes were launched on suborbital Rubis and Émeraude rockets before the orbital attempt was made.