Honing France’s launcher gem
26 November 1965, France’s Diamant (“diamond”) rocket soared skywards for the first time from the Hammaguir launch base, carrying with it the Astérix satellite. So it was that France made its first strides in space 40 years ago.
And what strides!
With the significant scientific and technological advances and the new structures underpinning this achievement, France became the 3rd nation to attain space power status, after the former Soviet Union and the United States.
With the significant scientific and technological advances and the new structures underpinning this achievement, France became the 3rd nation to attain space power status, after the former Soviet Union and the United States.
The Astérix satellite, before being launched by Diamant in 1965 ; credits SEREB
The Diamant programme was stopped in 1975, after accomplishing 10 successful launches out of 12 and orbiting 11 satellites. Over a 10-year period, Diamant-A, Diamant-B and Diamant-B P4 secured France’s independent access to space—10 years that sowed the seeds for the future.
In those 10 years, CNES accumulated know-how in launcher technologies and development.
France constructed its own launch base in French Guiana.
Diamant on its launch table in 1970 ; credits CNES
“France must have a burning national ambition and expansion, and space can satisfy both these desires. By deciding that we want satellites and launchers. […] By deciding to take our place in the space adventure and the Solar System. […] Should other nations join us in our quest, so much the better. In this way, France may be Europe’s finest chance.”
Michel Debré, Prime Minister, 1958 to 1962.
Mise à jour : novembre 2005
