Rigel was an Argentine two-stage sounding rocket used between 1967 and 1974,[1] [2] [3] featuring a Canopus 1 first stage and an Orion-2 second stage.[4] Designed for atmospheric and ionospheric research, it had a mass of 300 kg, a length of 6.3 meters, a diameter of 0.228 metres, and could reach altitudes up to 310 km.
Seven launches were conducted, including experiments for atmospheric studies and barium releases to study ionospheric phenomena. Launches took place at CELPA and included both test and scientific missions.
Rigel was launched from CELPA between 1967 and 1974. The following table was compiled from the available sources and is incomplete:
| 1967 December 16 | Test flight | ||
| 1969 September 12 | Test flight | 250 km (150 mi) | |
| 1969 December 22 | Test flight | 250 km (150 mi) | |
| 1972 November 2 | MPE Barium release, EXP 63 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission | 240 km (140 mi) | |
| 1972 November 4 | MPE Barium release, EXP 64 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission | 252 km (156 mi) | |
| 1972 November 11 | MPE Barium release, EXP 65 Ionosphere mission | 260 km (160 mi) | |
| 1973 November 18 | Ionosphere mission, second stage test | 250 km (150 mi) | |
| 1973 November 19 | Ionosphere mission | 260 km (160 mi) | |
| 1974 July 4 | Operativo Astro X | ||
| 1974 July 18 | Operativo Astro X |