The Cajun research rocket was developed as a dimensionally-similar but higher performance successor to the Deacon.

From NASA SOUNDING ROCKETS, 1958-1968 - A Historical Summary, NASA SP-4401, 1971, by William R. Corliss

In 1956, studies at PARD indicated that the Deacon's performance could be substantially improved by substituting new propellants while still retaining the Deacon's convenient configuration and size. NACA contracted with Thiokol Chemical Corp., Elkton, Md., for the development and construction of this new motor. The name Cajun was applied to the motor by Joseph G. Thibodaux, head of the PARD rocket section and from New Orleans. The first Cajun firing occurred at Wallops Island on June 20, 1956. In size, the Deacon and Cajun were no competitors to even the smallish Wac Corporal. The Cajun was just under 264 cm (104 in.) long and weighed 75.3 kg (166 lb) before firing. The Deacon's dimensions were similar.

Manufacturer: SDC.

1956 June 20 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Cajun.

• First Cajun research rocket. Nation: USA. First Cajun research rocket successfully launched at NACA Wallops Island, Va. References: 17.

• Emme, Eugene M, Aeronautics and Astronautics: An American Chronology of Science and Technology in the Exploration of Space 1915-1960, NASA, 1961. Accessed at: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/timeline.html.