The third French satellite was the first of the Diamant series proper (A-1 being just a test capsule). D-1A, named Diapason (`waveband') after launch, carried a Doppler beacon transmitter for geodetic measurements, as well as a solar cell damage experiment. [1]. The 19 kg satellite was reported to be still operating a year after launch. It was built by MATRA for CNES.
| Diapason | |||
| Date | Time | Event | Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 Feb 17 | 0838? | Launch by Diamant A | HMG Brigitte |
| 0841:40 | Orbit insertion | 118.51 499 x 2738 x 34.0 | |
| 1967 Feb | Still operating | ||