Nike-Apache
 A Nike-Apache aboard USNSCroatan | |
| Function | Sounding rocket |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Aerolab/Atlantic Research |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Cost per launch | $6,000USD |
| Size | |
| Height | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.42 m (1 ft 5 in) |
| Mass | 760 kg (1,680 lb) |
| Stages | Two |
| Payload to 160 km (99 mi) | |
| Mass | 45.4 kg (100 lb) |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | Multiple |
| Total launches | 636 |
| First flight | 17 February 1961 |
| Last flight | 27 September 1978 |
| First stage – Nike | |
| Diameter | 0.42 m (1 ft 5 in) |
| Powered by | 1 x ABL M5 |
| Maximum thrust | 217 kN (49,000 lbf) |
| Burn time | 3.5 s |
| Propellant | solid |
| Second stage – Apache | |
| Diameter | 0.203 m (8.0 in) |
| Powered by | 1 x Thiokol TE-307-2 |
| Maximum thrust | 21.1 kN (4,700 lbf) |
| Burn time | 6 s |
| Propellant | solid |
TheNike Apache,also known asArgo B-13,was a two-stagesounding rocketdeveloped byAerolab,laterAtlantic Research,for use by theUnited States Air ForceandNASA.It became the standard NASA sounding rocket and was launched over 600 times between 1961 and 1978.
Development
[edit]The TE-307-2 Apache rocket motor was developed byThiokolas an improvement of itsCajunseries of rockets; the Apache was similar in appearance to Cajun, but had an improved propellant that allowed for better performance.[1]Combined with a M5Nikerocket booster for its first stage by Aerolab,[1]the Nike-Apache sounding rocket was capable of lifting 100 pounds (45 kg) of instruments to anapogeeof 100 miles (160 km).[2]
Operational history
[edit]The first launch of Nike-Apache was conducted by theUnited States Air Forceon 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 convertedescort carrierUSNSCroatan.[4]Nike Apache was the first rocket launched by India from the TERLS (Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station) ofKeralain November 1963.[5]
The Nike-Apache configuration was also used by one variation of the U.S. Army'sMQR-13 BMTStarget rocket.[6]
References
[edit]- Citations
- 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.ASINB0006C0SRW.
- Howard, David (1965).Astronautics Year: An International Astronautical and Military Space/Missile Review of 1964.Oxford, England: Pergamon Press.ASINB01DT2D31I.
- Parsch, Andreas (22 October 2002)."USAMICOM MQR-13 BMTS".Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles.Designation-Systems.Retrieved2017-12-07.
- Parsch, Andreas (12 July 2004)."Atlantic Research (Aerolab) Nike-Apache".Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4: Undesignated Vehicles.Designation-Systems.Retrieved2017-12-07.
- Pandey, B. K. (July–September 2010). "Space: the emerging battleground".Indian Defence Review.Vol. 25, no. 3. New Delhi: Indian Defence Review. p. 22.ISSN0970-2512.
- Space Science Board (1966).Space Research: Directions for the Future.Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council.ASINB001KUTZJG.
External links
[edit]
Media related toNike Apacheat Wikimedia Commons
- Nike-Apache rocket performance handbookat NASA Technical Reports Server
- Nike Apacheat Encyclopedia Astronautica