VE 210 RUBIS : SOUNDING ROCKET ON THE ROAD TO SPACE

摘要

In previous papers we analysed the first test vehicles for French Force de Dissuasion, the Vehicules d'Essais VE of SEREB, including the first so-called Precious Stones. Already on December 18th, 1961 Comite des Recherches Spatiales decided that the yet-unflown basic VE, Saphir, would be transformed into a space launcher, with the simple expedient of adding a third stage. To stay simple, a trade mark of SEREB, and to keep lift-off weight low enough, a high technology filament-wound solid motor was selected, the first French one. Also in line with the SEREB way of testing cautiously the various elements of its rocket, it was decided to use the well-proven VE 110 Agate as a booster for this new solid stage, thus giving birth to the VE 210 Rubis. It then also became possible to check the whole final sequence of satellisation, with fairing release and satellite separation, including development models of the A-1 test capsule and of the D-1 satellite. As an added bonus, VE 210 also could be used as as a sounding rocket, of quite impressive performances : it still is to this date the highest sounding rocket in Europe. The full story of this champion is told here for the first time.