From 1956-1976, this two-stage rocket carried scientific instruments ranging from 10-100 pounds in its nose cone and could reach altitudes of 104 miles through the combination of the Nike booster and the Cajun second stage. It was used to study upper atmospheric conditions, cloud structure, upper atmosphere temperatures, and wind speeds. A stage is a rocket motor, and a two-stage rocket has two motors, allowing it to travel higher and carry a heavier payload.