First Flight: November 24, 1947
Mission: Upper atmosphere research (sounding) rocket. Designed to carry light payloads to high altitude. Payloads were recoverable via nose cone parachute (rocket was expendable). Goal was to launch 150 pound payloads to 200,000 ft.
Major Accomplishments: Conducted high altitude experiments, gathered data on
solar radiation, high altitude winds, the Earth's magnetic fields, and rocket systems
aerodynamics.
Power Source (Main engine): RTV-N10 liquid fuel rocket, with 2,600 lbs thrust
(up to 40 seconds)
Power Source (Booster): Aerojet solid fuel unit with 18,000 lbs thrust
for 2.5 seconds.
Fin Span: 5.25'
Length: 20.2'
Maximum Achieved Speed: Mach 6
Maximum Achieved Altitude: 138 miles
Additional Information: The X-8 was an unguided, spin stabilized sounding rocket. It carried photographic, atmospheric, biological and other experimental packages. The X-8 (and its Navy designation "Aerobee" flow from 1947 to the present day by various military and civilian organizations. Over 900 X-8s of various models have been constructed.
