Aldebaran (rocket)

Aldebaran was the name of a family of Brazilian sounding rockets developed in the 1960s and 1970s. The rockets were part of Brazil's early efforts in space exploration and were designed to conduct scientific experiments in the upper atmosphere.

The Aldebaran rocket program was initiated by the Brazilian Space Activities Commission (COBAE), later renamed the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE). The rockets were primarily used for meteorological research and to study the ionosphere.

The Aldebaran rockets varied in size and payload capacity, with different versions designed for specific altitudes and research objectives. These rockets represented a significant step in the development of Brazilian rocketry and contributed to the nation's nascent space program. The program paved the way for subsequent Brazilian rocket initiatives and provided valuable experience in rocket design, construction, and launch operations. The Aldebaran program was eventually succeeded by more advanced Brazilian rocket programs.