MISSION NAME
Castor & Pollux
Status
Success
DATE
17 MAY 1975
LAUNCH PROVIDER
National Center of Space Research
Launch Pad
Diamant Launch Area
Description
Dual French scientific satellites
Diamant BP4
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.