Gradicom

GRADICOM (GRAndes DImensiones COMpuestos) are a series of Argentine rockets with, according to CITEDEF, the ultimate goal of developing a vector that can be used for military purposes as a missile (with a guidance and control system) or as a sounding rocket (in free trajectory) for civilian purposes.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

The GRADICOM I (PCX-900) was launched on December 17, 2009, from Serrezuela, Córdoba province, in order to certify the GRADICOM engine in flight.^[6][5][2]

It was developed by the Center for Scientific and Technological Research for Defense (CITEDEF), under the direction of Vice Commodore Carlos Vásquez.^[6]

The engine used solid fuel (HTPB, ammonium perchlorate, aluminum and other compounds), and had a diameter of 32 cm and a length of 2.5 m.^[6][5] The rocket had a total mass of 500 kg and a length of 4.45 m.^[6]

GRADICOM II (PCX2) was launched on July 11, 2011, from CELPA (El Chamical), Argentine province of La Rioja.^[7][3][4][8]

Developed by CITEDEF, GRADICOM II was a two-stage vector based on the development of the GRADICOM I.^[4][9] The project involved 70 experts for a year and had a cost of 4 million pesos. The rocket weighed 933 kg and measured 7.7 meters.^[4]

GRADICOM III was planned to be launched in 2015.^{[10][7][1][11]}