INTA-300

Summary

The INTA-300, also known as the "Flamenco", was a two-stage Spanish sounding rocket. It consisted of a launch stage from the type Heron and an upper stage of the type Snipe.

INTA-300 diagram
Country of originSpain
Size
Height7.27 m (23.9 ft)
Diameter0.26 m (0.85 ft)
Stages2
Capacity
Payload to Suborbital
Altitude50 km (31 mi)
Mass50 kg (110 lb)
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sitesEl Arenosillo
Total launches6
First flightOctober 9th, 1974
Last flightFebruary 18th, 1981
First stage – Aneto
Gross mass503 kilograms (1,109 lb)
Burn time3 s
Second stage – Teide
Maximum thrust16.3 kN (3,700 lbf)
Burn time16 s

Based on a Bristol Aerojet's INTA-255 rocket, the INTA-300 is capable of reaching altitudes of 300 km (186 mi) alone and to 50 km (31 mi) with its maximum payload weight,[1] having a thrust of 138.00 kN.

The intent of the INTA-300 was to be able to lift a payload of 50 kg to 300 km. With the help of the Bristol Aerojet, the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial was able to make a powerful enough prototype in 1981, after three unsuccessful launches. By the time of the fourth model's construction, funding had been cut.[2]

When funds became available again in the 1990s, the fourth model of the INTA-300 was modified into a more efficient model dubbed the INTA-300B, capable of carrying heavier payloads and reaching higher altitude.[3]

Launches edit

The INTA-300 was launched by INTA six times between 1974 and 1994 from El Arenosillo.[2]

Date Launch Vehicle Mission Type Nation Apogee Notes
October 9, 1974 INTA-300 Test mission Germany 254 km Failed to reach expected altitude
October 21, 1975 INTA-300 Aeronomy / test Germany 240 km Failed to reach expected altitude
June 28, 1978 INTA-300 FAILURE Spain 0 km Failure
February 18, 1981 INTA-300 Aeronomy mission Spain 285 km First completely successful launch
October 21, 1993 INTA-300B FEIROX / FEIROH Aeronomy Spain 154 km
April 16, 1994 INTA-300B O2-INTA300 Aeronomy Spain 156 km

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "IAA scientific programme committee". Acta Astronautica. 33: ix. July 1994. Bibcode:1994AcAau..33D...9.. doi:10.1016/0094-5765(94)90099-x. ISSN 0094-5765.
  2. ^ a b "INTA-300". www.astronautix.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2016. Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  3. ^ "INTA-300B". 2016-12-27. Archived from the original on 2016-12-27. Retrieved 2023-10-08.