After integration, the rocket is sent to White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico for launch. The first launch occurred
on November 13, 1997 at 10 pm (local time). SCARI was launched with a Terrier-Black
Brant two-stage missile and reached a maximum altitude of ~250 kilometers.
The launch lasted roughly 10 minutes, with 5 minutes of data collection.
SCARI's nose cone and parachute recovery system allowed it to land in the
missile range desert, where it was retrieved by helicopter. The photographs
below show the stages leading up to, during and after the launch.
[CLICK ON A PICTURE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION]
During Horizontal Sequence Test at White Sands
SCARI Rocket on launch rail (booster view)
SCARI Rocket on launch rail (nose cone view). Notice the
project mascot, "Gloria"
SCARI Rocket Launch
SCARI Rocket Recovery
November 13, 1997
White Sands Missile Range
NASA SOUNDING ROCKET PROGRAM
Program Manager: Frank Lau
Status:
The launch and recovery were successful.
April 17, 1998
White Sands Missile Range
Status:
The launch went well, and results are forthcoming.