Javelin

Javelin (Argo D-4) Rocket and Its Use at Wallops Island

The Javelin (Argo D-4) was a four-stage sounding rocket used by NASA and the U.S. military for upper atmospheric and space research. Developed in the 1960s as part of the Argo family of solid-fueled rockets, it was capable of carrying scientific payloads to high altitudes, making it valuable for studying high-altitude physics, auroras, and upper atmospheric conditions.

Design and Capabilities

The Javelin (Argo D-4) featured four solid rocket stages:

1. First stage – Honest John

2. Second stage – Nike

3. Third stage – Nike

4. Fourth stage – A smaller solid motor, often an X-248 Altair or equivalent.

This configuration allowed the Javelin to reach altitudes of up to 1,000 km (620 miles) with a 100 lb payload, making it one of the more powerful sounding rockets of its time.

Use at Wallops Island

At NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, the Javelin was launched primarily for scientific and military research missions, including:

• Studying the ionosphere and upper atmosphere to better understand space weather effects.

• High-altitude physics experiments, such as investigating cosmic rays and radiation belts.

• Auroral research, often in collaboration with international scientific efforts.

• Suborbital missile tests and reentry experiments for military applications.

Wallops Island, with its coastal location near the Atlantic Ocean, was an ideal site for launching sounding rockets like the Javelin, offering a clear range for safe flight and payload recovery.

Notable Javelin Missions at Wallops

The Javelin played a key role in various high-altitude research missions. Some significant launches include:

• July 7, 1959 – A Javelin rocket reached 750 miles altitude to measure natural radiation surrounding the Earth.

• December 22, 1959 – A U.S.-Canadian cooperative project launched a Javelin to 560 miles altitude to measure galactic radio noise intensity.

• October 23, 1964 – A Javelin rocket carried a 90-pound payload to measure low-level cosmic radio noise, coinciding with the passage of EXPLORER XX.

• June 21, 1967JAVELIN ARGO D-4 Launch NASA Wallops Island VA 

These missions highlight the Javelin's role in advancing our understanding of the Earth’s upper atmosphere and space environment.