Bélier is the designation of a French sounding rocket family. Three versions of the Bélier were launched between 1961 and 1970 at the CIEES launch facility at Hammaguir, the Salto di Quirra and Ile du Levant missile ranges, and Kourou Space Center.
After its retirement, the Bélier was used as a stage for a family of solid-propellant rockets, including the Centaure, the Dragon, the Dauphin and the Éridan.
Versions
Belier I The first Belier single stage rocket, powered by a Jericho motor.
payload: 30 kg apogee: 80 km takeoff thrust: 20.00 kN takeoff weight: 313 kg diameter: 0.31 m length: 4.01 m fin span: 0.78 m
Belier II Upgraded Belier single stage rocket, using 'Plastolite' propellant.
payload: 30 kg apogee: 130 km takeoff thrust: 21.50 kN takeoff weight: 352 kg diameter: 0.31 m length: 5.90 m fin span: 0.78 m
Belier III Upgraded Belier single stage rocket, powered by a Vega motor using 'Isolane' propellant.
apogee: 109 km takeoff weight: 400 kg diameter: 0.31 m length: 3.80 m Belier III launches: DateLaunch siteNationAgencyApogee (km)Mission1968 March 18BiscarroseFranceCNES01968 May 14Salto di QuirraEuropeCNES, ESRO130Test mission1969 March 6Kourou Space CenterFranceCNES100Test mission1969 September 25BiscarroseFranceONERA60CRAPEL/ELECTRE re-entry vehicle test flight
See also
Centaure Dauphin Dragon Éridan
References