# Altair 1A

> American solid-propellant rocket stage

**Wikidata**: [Q9149122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9149122)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/altair-1a

## Summary
Altair 1A was an American solid-propellant rocket stage developed by Thiokol, serving as part of the Altair family of upper stages. It was operational from 1960 to 1964, primarily used to power the X-248A rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Solid-propellant rocket stage
- **Manufacturer**: Thiokol
- **Powered by**: X-248A
- **Length**: 2.50 meters
- **Diameter**: 0.46 meters
- **Service period**: 1960–1964
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Subclass of**: Altair family of upper stages
- **Instance of**: Rocket model

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Altair 1A used for?
A: The Altair 1A was a solid-propellant rocket stage primarily used to power the X-248A rocket, part of the Altair family of upper stages.

### Q: Who manufactured the Altair 1A?
A: The Altair 1A was manufactured by Thiokol, an American aerospace company.

### Q: When was the Altair 1A operational?
A: The Altair 1A was operational from 1960 to 1964.

### Q: What were the dimensions of the Altair 1A?
A: The Altair 1A had a length of 2.50 meters and a diameter of 0.46 meters.

### Q: What is the Altair 1A's relationship to the Altair family?
A: The Altair 1A is a subclass of the Altair family of American solid-propellant upper stages.

## Why It Matters
The Altair 1A played a crucial role in early American rocket technology, contributing to the development of solid-propellant rocket stages. Its operational period from 1960 to 1964 marked a key phase in the evolution of upper-stage propulsion systems. While not as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, the Altair 1A was an important component in the broader effort to advance rocket engineering. Its design and performance helped pave the way for future advancements in solid-fuel propulsion, influencing subsequent developments in space exploration and military applications.

## Notable For
- **Early solid-propellant stage**: One of the first American solid-propellant rocket stages in the Altair family.
- **X-248A integration**: Served as the primary propulsion system for the X-248A rocket.
- **Thiokol development**: Demonstrated Thiokol's expertise in solid-fuel rocket technology.
- **1960s operational period**: Contributed to the technological advancements of the mid-20th century.

## Body
### Overview
The Altair 1A was a solid-propellant rocket stage developed by Thiokol, part of the Altair family of upper stages. It was designed to power the X-248A rocket, a key component in early American rocket propulsion systems.

### Technical Specifications
- **Length**: 2.50 meters
- **Diameter**: 0.46 meters
- **Propellant type**: Solid
- **Powered by**: X-248A

### Operational History
- **Service entry**: 1960
- **Service retirement**: 1964
- **Primary use**: Upper-stage propulsion for the X-248A rocket

### Classification
- **Instance of**: Rocket model
- **Subclass of**: Altair family of upper stages
- **Country of origin**: United States

### Manufacturing and Development
- **Manufacturer**: Thiokol
- **Significance**: Contributed to the development of solid-fuel rocket technology in the 1960s.

### Legacy
The Altair 1A remains a notable example of early American solid-propellant rocket stages, reflecting the technological advancements of its era. Its role in powering the X-248A highlights its importance in the broader context of rocket propulsion development.

## References

1. [Source](http://astronautix.com/a/altair1a.html)