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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. During 1962, development of the Diamant commenced as the inaugural spacecraft project of France's space agency, the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES). As a project, it was derived from the military program Pierres précieuses (fr.: gemstones) that included the five prototypes Agate, Topaze, Emeraude, Rubis, and Saphir (Agate, Topaz, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire), and drew heavily upon the knowledge and technologies that had been previously developed.
Missions
12
Success Rate
79.2%
Successes
9
Failures
2
Success Streak
3
Partial Failures
1
Active in 1975
Rocket
Height: 21.64m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 150 kg
GTO: 0 kg
Liftoff Thrust
317 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 1.45m
Height: 4.5m
Stages
3
Active 1970 to 1973
Rocket
Height: 23.54m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 115 kg
GTO: 0 kg
Liftoff Thrust
348 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 0.85m
Height: 2.8m
Stages
3
Active 1965 to 1967
Rocket
Height: 18.49m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 80 kg
GTO: 0 kg
Liftoff Thrust
274 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 0.65m
Height: 2.16m
Stages
3