 Emeraude as the first stage of Saphir | |
| Function | Sounding rocket |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SEREB |
| Country of origin | France |
| Size | |
| Height | 17.93 metres (58.8 ft) |
| Diameter | 1.40 metres (4.6 ft) |
| Mass | 18,200 kilograms (40,100 lb) |
| Stages | 1 |
| Associated rockets | |
| Derivative work | Saphir (rocket) |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | CIEES |
| Total launches | 5 |
| Success(es) | 2 |
| Failure(s) | 3 |
| First flight | June 15, 1964 |
| Last flight | May 13, 1965 |
| First stage – Emeraude | |
| Powered by | 4 Vexin-B |
| Maximum thrust | 273.7 kilonewtons (61,500 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 203 seconds |
| Burn time | 91 seconds |
| Propellant | HNO3/gasoline turpentine |
VE 121 Émeraude (French for "emerald")[1][2] was a large French sounding rocket of the 1960s.
It built on the experiences of the Véronique and Vesta programs, and though it was only used for one year, it tested important technologies that were used in later French launch vehicles. It was part of the pierres précieuses (fr.: gemstones) program, that included five prototypes Agathe, Topaze, Emeraude, Rubis and Saphir, [3] leading up to the Diamant orbital rocket.
The rocket was liquid-fueled and carried 12.8 tonnes of fuel and oxidizer—nitric acid and gasoline turpentine—which were pressure-fed into the four Vexin-B engines, providing a total of 301.55 kN of thrust.[4]: 45 Pitch and yaw control were provided by gimbaling the four engines while roll control was provided by aerodynamic fins. The rocket could carry a 385 kilograms (849 lb) payload to an altitude of 200 km.[5]
Its codename, VE121, indicates that it is a "Véhicule Expérimental" (Experimental Vehicle) with 1 stage, using liquid propellant (code 2), and guided (code 1).