| Country-Origin: | Spain | ||||||||||||||||||
| Stages: | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Capacities: |
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| Status: | Retired | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sites: | El Arenosillo | ||||||||||||||||||
| Launches: | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| First: | October 9th, 1974 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Last: | February 18th, 1981 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Stagedata: |
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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]
The INTA-300 was launched by INTA six times between 1974 and 1994 from El Arenosillo.
| 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 |