Meteor (rocket)

Meteor refers to a series of British sounding rockets developed and launched from the Woomera Test Range in Australia, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s. These rockets were designed for upper atmosphere research, including studies of cosmic rays, atmospheric density, and temperature. The Meteor rockets were part of the broader effort to explore the upper reaches of the atmosphere and near-space environment before dedicated satellite programs were fully established.

The Meteor family included several variants, each with different performance characteristics and instrumentation capabilities, allowing for a range of scientific experiments to be conducted at different altitudes. These rockets typically consisted of one or two solid-propellant stages, enabling them to reach altitudes between 80 and 200 kilometers, depending on the specific configuration and payload.

Key features of the Meteor rocket program included:

• Scientific Research: The primary objective was to gather data on atmospheric conditions, cosmic radiation, and other phenomena in the upper atmosphere.
• Solid-Propellant Propulsion: The use of solid-propellant motors provided simplicity and reliability, essential for research launches.
• Woomera Test Range: Launching from Woomera provided access to a large, sparsely populated area ideal for rocket testing and experimentation.
• Precursor to Satellite Programs: The data obtained from Meteor rocket flights contributed to the development of more sophisticated satellite-based research programs.

While not as widely recognized as some other rocket programs, the Meteor series played a significant role in the early exploration of the upper atmosphere and provided valuable scientific data that informed subsequent space research endeavors. The program was a valuable training ground for engineers and scientists involved in the burgeoning field of rocketry and space exploration.