Nike-Apache
A Nike-Apache aboard USNS Croatan
FunctionSounding rocket
ManufacturerAerolab/Atlantic Research
Country of originUnited States
Cost per launch$6,000 USD
Size
Height8.31 m (27.3 ft)
Diameter0.42 m (1 ft 5 in)
Mass760 kg (1,680 lb)
StagesTwo
Payload to 160 km (99 mi)
Mass45.4 kg (100 lb)
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sitesMultiple
Total launches636
First flight17 February 1961
Last flight27 September 1978
First stage – Nike
Diameter0.42 m (1 ft 5 in)
Powered by1 x ABL M5
Maximum thrust217 kN (49,000 lbf)
Burn time3.5 s
Propellantsolid
Second stage – Apache
Diameter0.203 m (8.0 in)
Powered by1 x Thiokol TE-307-2
Maximum thrust21.1 kN (4,700 lbf)
Burn time6 s
Propellantsolid

The Nike Apache, also known as Argo B-13, was a two-stage sounding rocket developed by Aerolab, later Atlantic Research, for use by the United States Air Force and NASA. It became the standard NASA sounding rocket and was launched over 600 times between 1961 and 1978.

Development

The TE-307-2 Apache rocket motor was developed by Thiokol as an improvement of its Cajun series of rockets; the Apache was similar in appearance to Cajun, but had an improved propellant that allowed for better performance.[1] Combined with a M5 Nike rocket booster for its first stage by Aerolab,[1] the Nike-Apache sounding rocket was capable of lifting 100 pounds (45 kg) of instruments to an apogee of 100 miles (160 km).[2]

Operational history

The first launch of Nike-Apache was conducted by the United States Air Force on 17 February 1961.[1] Popular due to its low cost (US$6,000)[3] and ability to be fired from many locales, 636 launches were conducted between 1961 and 1978, with the final launch of a Nike-Apache taking place in September 1978.[1]

The Nike Apache was used to carry a variety of payloads to study a wide range of topics including radio astronomy, meteorology, aeronomy, atmospheric conditions, plasma physics, and solar physics. NASA flew them from Brazil, Canada, India, Norway, Pakistan, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, all across the US, and off of the converted escort carrier USNS Croatan.[4] Nike Apache was the first rocket launched by India from the TERLS (Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station) of Kerala in November 1963.[5]

The Nike-Apache configuration was also used by one variation of the U.S. Army's MQR-13 BMTS target rocket.[6]

References

Citations
  1. 1 2 3 4 Parsch 2004
  2. ↑ Corliss 1971, p.82.
  3. ↑ Space Science Board 1966, p. 376.
  4. ↑ Howard 1965, p.159.
  5. ↑ Pandey 2010, p.22.
  6. ↑ Parsch 2002
Bibliography
  • Corliss, William R. (1971). NASA Sounding Rockets, 1958-1968: A Historical Summary. NASA Historical Report Series. Vol. SP-4401. Washington, D.C.: NASA Scientific and Technical Information Office. ASIN B0006C0SRW.
  • Howard, David (1965). Astronautics Year: An International Astronautical and Military Space/Missile Review of 1964. Oxford, England: Pergamon Press. ASIN B01DT2D31I.
  • Parsch, Andreas (22 October 2002). "USAMICOM MQR-13 BMTS". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Designation-Systems. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  • Parsch, Andreas (12 July 2004). "Atlantic Research (Aerolab) Nike-Apache". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4: Undesignated Vehicles. Designation-Systems. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  • Pandey, B. K. (July–September 2010). "Space: the emerging battleground". Indian Defence Review. Vol. 25, no. 3. New Delhi: Indian Defence Review. p. 22. ISSN 0970-2512.
  • Space Science Board (1966). Space Research: Directions for the Future. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council. ASIN B001KUTZJG.

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