Engineering:INTA-300

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Short description: Suborbital two-stage launch vehicle of the Spanish INTA
INTA-300
Inta300 diagrama.svg
INTA-300 diagram
Country of originSpain
Size
Height7.27 m (23.9 ft)
Diameter0.26 m (0.85 ft)
Stages2
Capacity
Payload to Space50 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
Thrust16.3 kN (3,700 lbf)
Burn time16 s

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.

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

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

References