Tacite (rocket)


The inaugural member of ONERA sounding rockets fleet, the Tacite, was a single-stage vehicle, used between 1965 and 1968.

Description

Designed and developed by the Office national d'études et de recherches aérospatiales, it was a single-stage vehicle equipped with a SEPR 739-2 Stromboli engine fueled by ‘Plastoline’ propellant, offering a propulsion duration of 20 seconds. The rocket incorporates small nitrogen ejection nozzles to induce rotation and employs aerodynamic stabilization by a cruciform tailfin.
With a total mass of 1738 kg, Tacite reached a height of nearly 8 meters. It had the capability to propel a 285 kg payload to an altitude of 160 km.

Launches

Operational between 1965 and 1968, this rocket underwent four launches, experiencing one failure.
DateLaunch siteMission DescriptionAgencyApogee
1965 June 15BiscarosseInfrared Horizon Study AeronomyONERA182
1967 Nov 23Ile du LevantFU-169 X-ray astronomyCNESFailure
1968 May 15Ile du LevantEarth Infrared AeronomyCNES175
1968 Oct 15Ile du LevantSun pointing test / Solar observationsCNES140