It built on the experiences of the Véronique and Vesta programs, and though it was only used for one year, it tested important technologies that were used in later French launch vehicles.

: gemstones) program, that included five prototypes Agathe, Topaze, Emeraude, Rubis and Saphir,[3] leading up to the Diamant orbital rocket.

The rocket was liquid-fueled and carried 12.8 tonnes of fuel and oxidizer—nitric acid and gasoline turpentine—which were pressure-fed into the Vexin-B engine, providing a total of 301.55 kN of thrust.

The rocket could carry a 385 kilograms (849 lb) payload to an altitude of 200 km.

[4]: 44  However, the final two launches – on February 27 and May 13, 1965 – went well, with the latter flight reaching an altitude of 180 km.