The Hammaguir site became the main launch base of the French space program, equipped with advanced tracking systems. After years of testing with Véronique, Saphir, and Émeraude rockets, including animal experiments such as Félicette the cat, the Diamant program reached maturity. Development was shared between the Laboratoire de recherches balistiques et aérodynamiques and Saint-Médard-en-Jalles. The Diamant rocket was assembled in November 1965 and successfully launched on November 26, marking France’s entry into space.
