Global InformationDiamant information
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2013) |
 | |
| Function | Small launch vehicle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SEREB |
| Country of origin | France |
| Size | |
| Height |
|
| Diameter | 1.34 m (4 ft 5 in) |
| Mass | 18,400 kg (40,600 lb) |
| Stages | 3 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload to LEO | |
| Mass | 160 kg (350 lb) |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | A: Hammaguir B/BP4: Kourou |
| Total launches | 12 (A :4, B: 5, BP4: 3) |
| Success(es) | 9 (A: 3, B: 3, BP4: 3) |
| Failure(s) | 3 (A: 1, B: 2) |
| First flight | A: 26 November 1965 B:10 March 1970 BP4:6 February 1975 |
| Last flight | A: 15 February 1967 B:21 May 1973 BP4: 27 September 1975 |
| First stage (Diamant A) – Emeraude | |
| Powered by | 1 Vexin B |
| Maximum thrust | 301.55 kN (67,790 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 203 s (1.99 km/s) |
| Burn time | 93 seconds |
| Propellant | Nitric Acid/Turpentine |
| First stage (Diamant B/BP4) – Améthyste | |
| Powered by | 1 Valois |
| Maximum thrust | 396.52 kN (89,140 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 221 s (2.17 km/s) |
| Burn time | 110 seconds |
| Propellant | N2O4/UDMH |
| Second stage (Diamant A/B) – Topaze | |
| Powered by | 1 P2.2 |
| Maximum thrust | 120.082 kN (26,996 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 255 s (2.50 km/s) |
| Burn time | 39 seconds |
| Propellant | Solid |
| Second stage (Diamant BP4) – P-4/Rita | |
| Powered by | 1 P-4 |
| Maximum thrust | 176 kN (40,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 273 s (2.68 km/s) |
| Burn time | 55 seconds |
| Propellant | Solid |
| Third stage (Diamant A) – Rubis | |
| Powered by | 1 P-064 |
| Maximum thrust | 29.4 kN (6,600 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 211 s (2.07 km/s) |
| Burn time | 39 seconds |
| Propellant | Solid |
| Third stage (Diamant B/BP4) – P-068 | |
| Powered by | 1 P-068 |
| Maximum thrust | 50 kN (11,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 211 s (2.07 km/s) |
| Burn time | 46 seconds |
| Propellant | Solid |
The Diamant rocket (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.
During 1962, development of the Diamant commenced as the inaugural spacecraft project of France's space agency, the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES). As a project, it was derived from the military program pierres précieuses (fr.: gemstones) that included the five prototypes Agate, Topaze, Emeraude, Rubis and Saphir (Agate, Topaz, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire),[1] and drew heavily upon the knowledge and technologies that had been previously developed. On 26 November 1965, the Diamant A performed its maiden flight. Out of a total of 12 launch attempts to be performed between 1965 and 1975, 9 of these were successful. Most notably, on 26 November 1965, the Diamant was used to successfully launch the first French satellite, named Astérix.
Three successive versions of the Diamant rocket were developed, designated A, B and BP4. All versions had three stages and a payload of approximately 150 kg for a 200 km orbit. Despite the success of the Diamant as a launcher, France ultimately chose to terminate further work on its national launcher program in favour of participation in the multi-European programme to produce what would become the Ariane launcher in 1975.
- ^ Capdevila, Didier. "Les Constellations et les Pierres Précieuses". Capcom Espace. Retrieved 2023-08-29.