Skip to content
79,433 pages · 13,741 images · since 1994 Browse A–Z Today in space history
Encyclopedia Astronautica The full story of spaceflight
Encyclopedia entry

Frangible Arcas

Launch vehicle · USA

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Version of Arcas sounding rocket developed for flight over residential areas. After burnout, the rocket was destroyed using a sheet of explosive material wrapped around the airframe. The resulting debris could safely impact in populated areas without significant danger or damage.

Country
USA

Chronology

4 events

1964 December 17

Launch Site: San Nicolas. LV Family: Arcas. Launch Vehicle: Frangible Arcas.
  • Frangible Arcas test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 39 km (24 mi).

1965 January 20

Launch Site: Point Mugu. LV Family: Arcas. Launch Vehicle: Frangible Arcas.
  • AFFT-2 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 35 km (21 mi).

1965 May 20

Launch Site: San Nicolas. LV Family: Arcas. Launch Vehicle: Frangible Arcas.
  • AFFT-3/Arcasonde 1A - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi).

1965 December 21

Launch Site: San Nicolas. LV Family: Arcas. Launch Vehicle: Frangible Arcas.
  • AFFT-4/Arcasonde 1A - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi).