Antarès (OPd-56-39-22D)

[1][2][3][4] In the late 1950s, the study of missile warhead reentry necessitated the development of a more robust rocket than the existing OR, VD and OPd series.

[3] Measuring 12.2 meters in length and boasting a takeoff weight of up to 1785 kg, the rocket consisted of four stages.

[3] The first stage featured a SEPR 734-1 Vesuve motor with a diameter of 56 cm and a length of 3.5 m, delivering a total impulse of 1025 kNs with less than 5 seconds burn time.

[1][3] The third stage was a SEPR 685-4 Mimosa, 2.6 m long and 20 cm in diameter, delivering 167 kNs in less with a 5 seconds burn time.

[2][3] Antarès firings were preceded by a unique launch on January 30, 1959, involving the OPd-12-10-D rocket, consisting of an OPd-100 surrounded by three boosters with a diameter of 122 mm.