MISSION NAME
Polaire
Status
Failure
DATE
5 DEC 1971
LAUNCH PROVIDER
National Center of Space Research
Launch Pad
Diamant Launch Area
Description
Satellite similar to Tournesol (detect the presence of hydrogen in several directions of the celestial sphere) but in a more polar orbit. It failed to reach orbit.
Diamant B
Rocket Description
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.