[Illustration: 25. Nike-Cajun ready for launch.]
[Illustration: 26. Nike-Cajun launch.]
The Nike-Cajun was used extensively during International Geophysical
Year (1957-58) to perform a variety of research tasks. These included
weather photography, studies of water-vapor distribution in the upper
atmosphere, and magnetic soundings in the ionosphere.
For photographic studies, the instrument package separated from the nose
cone at about 80 kilometers (50 miles) and then coasted to a peak
altitude of about 120 kilometers (75 miles), during which time data was
collected. Then parachutes opened, lowering the cameras for recovery.
Other data was radioed to Earth.
The Cajun rocket was developed by the Pilotless Aircraft Division of the
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and the University of
Michigan. The solid-fuel engine was designed and manufactured by Thiokol
Chemical Company. The Nike booster was also solid fuel.
The rocket on exhibit is from the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
Length 7.9 m. (26 ft.); Cajun, 4.1 m. (13.5 ft.)
Diameter 41.9 cm. (16.5 in.) max; Cajun, 17.1 cm. (6.75
in.)
Propellant Solid
Thrust Sustainer, 4364 kg. (9620 lb.)
Velocity 6760 km./ hr. (4200 mi./hr.)
Altitude 161 km. (100 mi.) with a 23 kg. (50 lb.)
instrument package; higher with a lighter
payload