Rigel (rocket)

Rigel was an Argentine two-stage sounding rocket used between 1967 and 1974,^[1][2][3] featuring a Canopus 1 first stage and an Orion-2 second stage.^[4] Designed for atmospheric and ionospheric research, it had a mass of 300 kg, a length of 6.3 meters, a diameter of 0.228 metres, and could reach altitudes up to 310 km.^[2]

Rigel

Rigel rocket launch, December 16, 1967
Function	sounding rocket
Country of origin	Argentina
Size
Height	6.3 m (21 ft)
Diameter	0.228 m (9.0 in)
Mass	300 kg (660 lb)
Stages	2
Capacity
Launch history
Launch sites	CELPA Chamical
First flight	1967
Last flight	1974
First stage - Canopus 1
Burn time	12 seconds
Propellant	Solid
Second stage Orion-2
Thrust	55 kg
Burn time	12 seconds
Propellant	Solid

Seven launches were conducted, including experiments for atmospheric studies and barium releases to study ionospheric phenomena.^[4] Launches took place at CELPA and included both test and scientific missions.^[4]

• 
  Rigel sounding rocket
• 
  Rigel R-09 sounding rocket
• 
  Rigel sounding rocket

Launches

Rigel was launched from CELPA between 1967 and 1974. The following table was compiled from the available sources and is incomplete:^[3][4]

Rigel flights

Date	Mission Type	Apogee
1967 December 16	Test flight
1969 September 12	Test flight	250 km (150 mi)
1969 December 22	Test flight	250 km (150 mi)
1972 November 2	MPE Barium release, EXP 63 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission	240 km (140 mi)
1972 November 4	MPE Barium release, EXP 64 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission	252 km (156 mi)
1972 November 11	MPE Barium release, EXP 65 Ionosphere mission	260 km (160 mi)
1973 November 18	Ionosphere mission, second stage test	250 km (150 mi)
1973 November 19	Ionosphere mission	260 km (160 mi)
1974 July 4	Operativo Astro X
1974 July 18	Operativo Astro X