Van Allen radiation belt
On 10 March 1970, the first "Diamant B" rocket, an improved model of the launcher, was fired, carrying a pair of scientific satellite, named "DIAL/MIKA" and "DIAL/WIKA", into orbit. Only one of the two satellites, which had been produced as a collaborative effort between France and Germany to study the Van Allen radiation belt around the Earth, survived the launch process. Overall, the Diamant rocket came to be recognised as a successful and reliable launch vehicle, competitive amongst even the best of its international competitors throughout the world during its time.