Astris (rocket stage)

The Astris was an upper stage developed by ERNO Raumfahrttechnik GmbH and MBB as the third stage of the Europa 1 launch vehicle. It was the German contribution to the project and only flew activated four times. Regrettably, the high failure rate of the three and four stage rocket meant that the project was cancelled.[2][5]

Astris

Astris, the third (upper) stage of the Europa I rocket, on display in Pfaffenwaldring 31 (V 31) on the campus of University of Stuttgart in Vaihingen, Stuttgart, Germany.
Manufacturer	ERNO Raumfahrttechnik GmbH[1]
Country of origin	Germany
Used on	Europa 1 third stage.
General characteristics
Height	3.36 m (132 in)[2]
Diameter	2.00 m (79 in)[2]
Gross mass	3,370 kg (7,430 lb)[2]
Propellant mass	2,760 kg (6,080 lb)[2]
Empty mass	610 kg (1,340 lb)[2]
Launch history
Status	Retired
Total launches	4
Successes (stage only)	0
Failed	4
Lower stage failed	0
First flight	1969-07-31
Last flight	1971-11-05
Engine details
Engines	1 Astris (rocket engine)[3]
Thrust	23.3 kilonewtons (5,200 lbf)
Specific impulse	310 s (3.0 km/s)
Burn time	330s[4]
Fuel	Aerozine 50 / N2O4

On November 29, 1968, its inaugural flight, the Astris third stage exploded. On the second attempt on July 1969, the Astris engine failed to start. On the third attempt on June 11, 1970, the stage performed correctly, but the fairing failed to separate.[4] On November 5, 1971, the Europa II launched from CSG ELA-1, had a mishap due to structural failure of the third stage. After this last failure the project was definitely cancelled.[6]