NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

Polaire

Launch Time
Sun Dec 05, 1971 16:20 UTC

The second stage of the launcher suffered a serious malfunction that caused the failure of the mission.

Rocket

Diamant B
Image Credit: CNES
CNES
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 348 kN
Payload to LEO: 115 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 23.54 m
Fairing Diameter: 0.85 m
Fairing Height: 2.8 m

Mission Details

Polaire

The scientific mission of Polaire was to detect the probable presence of hydrogen in several directions of the celestial sphere. Scientific and technological data recorded by an onboard recorder were transmitted on command. The satellite was a cylinder 70 cm in diameter and 80 cm long. The rotating axis was directed parallel to the sun-satellite axis, with an accuracy of about 10-20 min of arc. The spin rate was 1 rpm.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 95.0 kg
Polar Orbit

Location

ELD, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, France

Stats

1971

119th orbital launch attempt

Diamant

8th mission
2nd mission of 1971
1st failed mission