Final Report: The Nike-Cajun Sounding Rocket

Ann Arbor, MI: Engineering Research Institute/The University of Michigan, 1957 Book. Very Good + +. Original Wraps. First Edition. 4to. vii, 46 pp, list of b&w illustrations, abstract, objective, The University of Michigan Project Personnel, Note on the designation of Nike-Cajun Rockets, 1. Introduction; 2. Performance: 2.1. Predictions, 2.2. Summary of Performance Data; 3. Design and Production: 3.1. Booster, 3.2. Cajun, 3.3. Igniters, 3.4. Procurement Summary; 4. Launching and Handling Equipment: 4.1. Launcher; 4.2. Modification of Launcher for Nike-Cajun Use; 4.3. Handling Equipment; 4.4. Firing Circuitry; 4.5. Sequence of Firing Operations; 5. Firing the Nike-Cajun From the USS Rushmore (LSD-14); 6. Conclusions and Recommendations; References. First Edition: Project 2453 sponsored by the Geophysics Research Directorate of the Air Force, Department of the Air Force Cambridge Research Center; Air Research and Development Command under M/F Contract No. AF 19(604)-1560, March 1957. "The Nike-Cajun was a two-stage sounding rocket built by combining a Nike base stage with a Cajun upper stage. It was launched 714 times between 1956 and 1976 and was the most frequently used sounding rocket of the western world. The Cajun stage of this rocket was named for the Cajun people of south Louisiana because one of the rocket's designers, J. G. Thibodaux, was a Cajun. The Cajun motor was developed for NASA in the 1950's by Thiokol, providing a more modern but still affordable replacement for the World War II-era Deacon. The Nike-Cajuns was cheap and reliable, the basic rocket motor having been developed and well tested during their military and NACA careers. Further, it was simple and easy to use - scientists could take it wherever targets of opportunity existed. The University of Michigan group, for example, fired five Nike-Cajuns from the U.S.S. Rushmore in 1956. Many launchings in various parts of the world followed. The Nike-Cajun was a very successful general purpose sounding rocket, and the last flight was launched by NASA in October 1976." Inked name along top edge front wrapper. Lightly age-toned front wrapper edges and text block, and slightly foxed top fore-edge margin corner frontispiece, else, Pristine Interior. Clean, tight and strong binding with no underlining, highlighting or marginalia. Black quarter-cloth over powder-blue heavy card wrappers with black lettering to front wrapper..