National Center of Space Research Castor & Pollux Diamant B
About the Castor & Pollux Mission
| Type | Earth Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
Dual French scientific satellites. Lost due to launch vehicle failure.
Launch Pad & Location
Diamant Launch Area
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
| Launches | 8 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 8 |
| Total Launches | 336 |
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Société d'étude et de réalisation d'engins balistiques Diamant B Rocket
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.
| Length | 23.5 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.3 m |
| Stages | 3 |
| Launch Mass | 18.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 396.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 160 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 3/10/1970 |
Learn more about the Société d'étude et de réalisation d'engins balistiques Diamant B Rocket
About National Center of Space Research
The National Center of Space Research, or CNES, is a French National Agency in charge of France's space program. In partnership with the US and Russia, they have put 10 people in space. CNES works in tandem with the larger ESA to develop the Ariane 5 and work on other probes and satellites. They are working with Germany to develop a cheaper and more efficient reusable rocket, which hopefully will be ready to fly by 2026.
| Total Launches | 14 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 12 |
| Failed | 2 |
| Pending | 1 |
| Consecutive Success | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the National Center of Space Research Diamant B Castor & Pollux launch scheduled?
The National Center of Space Research Diamant B Castor & Pollux launch was scheduled for:
.
Where did the National Center of Space Research Diamant B Castor & Pollux mission launch from?
The National Center of Space Research Diamant B rocket launched from Diamant Launch Area at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
What rocket was used for the Castor & Pollux mission?
The Castor & Pollux mission launched aboard a National Center of Space Research Diamant B rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the National Center of Space Research Diamant B Castor & Pollux launch?
The National Center of Space Research Diamant B Castor & Pollux launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the National Center of Space Research Diamant B Castor & Pollux launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest National Center of Space Research Diamant B launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Castor & Pollux mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official National Center of Space Research live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
Last Updated
Last Updated: