Nike-Apache

Nike Apache systems ready for launch from Fort Churchill, Canada, ca. 1960-1968.

The Nike Apache was a two-stage sounding rocket used by NASA to loft instruments into the upper atmosphere. The Nike Apache was launched 636 times between 1961 and 1978. It was a popular rocket due to its low cost (6000 USD) and ability to be fired from many locales.

The Nike Apache was used to carry a variety of payloads to study a wide range of topics including radio astronomy, meteorology, aeronomy, atmospheric conditions, plasma physics, and solar physics. NASA flew them from Brazil, Canada, India, Norway, Pakistan, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, all across the US, and off the USS Croatan (CVE-25). The maximum payload weight was 80 lbs (36 kg) and the maximum altitude about 125 miles (200 km).

The Nike-Apache configuration was also used by one variation of the MQR-13 BMTS target rocket.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Length: 27.25 ft (8.31 m)
• Diameter: 1 ft 4.5 in (0.42 m)
• Launch mass: 1602.5 lb (728 kg)

Engine

• First stage: 1× solid-propellant rocket
  • Thrust: 48700 lbf (217 kN)
• Second stage: 1× solid-propellant rocket
  • Thrust: 4750 lbf (21,140 N)

References

• Nike Apache
• Parsch, Andreas (2002). "USAMICOM MQR-13 BMTS". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. designation-systems.net. http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/r-13.html. Retrieved 2011-01-06.