Aries Missile Shortly After Launch

     The Aries is a solid-propellant rocket developed for the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) by Space Vector Corp. in the early 1970s. The Aries is a sounding rocket and/or target that uses a Minuteman I second stage (Aerojet M-56 Rocket Motor) fitted with four fins and a nose cone. Aries are capable of carrying 1800 pound payloads to an altitude of 200 miles. A number of Aries have been launched by the Navy at WSMR.

This Aries was launch by the Navy at White Sands for the Air Force Geophysical Lab (AFGL).