The Diamant rocket (Diamant is French for diamond) was the first exclusively French expendable launch system and at the same time the first satellite launcher not built by either the USA or USSR. As such it is the main predecessor of all subsequent European launcher projects. It was derived from the military program Pierres précieuses (fr.: gemstones) that included the five prototypes Agate Topaze Emeraude Rubis and Saphir (Agate Topaz Emerald Ruby and Sapphire).
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