ARCAS
27. Loading ARCAS into launcher.
All-purpose Rocket for Collecting Atmospheric Sounding (ARCAS) gathers local meteorological data helpful to weather forecasters. Its 5.4-kilogram (12-pound) payload may include instruments which measure temperature, pressure, humidity, wind velocity and direction, and magnetic conditions. The single-stage ARCAS vehicle reaches an altitude of 64 kilometers (40 miles), propelled by a slow-burning solid-fuel engine which produces 141.4 kilograms (312 pounds) of thrust.
When the ARCAS is boosted by a Sparrow or Sidewinder missile engine, it can reach altitudes of 182,880 meters (600,000 feet).
The 32-kilogram (71-pound) ARCAS is far less expensive than the larger two-stage weather rockets it has replaced. It was developed and produced by the Atlantic Research Corporation.
The ARCAS is from the Atlantic Research Corporation.
| Length | 2.1 m. (7 ft.) |
| Diameter | 11.3 cm. (4.45 in.) |
| Propellant | Solid |
| Thrust | 159 kg. (350 lb.) |
| Velocity | 3590 km./hr. (2230 mi./hr.) |
| Altitude | 64 km. (40 mi.) with standard 5.4-kg. (12-lb.) payload; 91.7 km. (57 mi.) with a 2.3-kg. (5-lb.) instrument package |