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The Terrier Malemute is a two-stage American sounding rocket typically used for smaller payloads (less than 180 kg [400 lb]). Both the Terrier first stage and the Malemute second stage use solid fuel. The Terrier burns for approximately 5.2 seconds, and the Malemute burns for approximately 21.5 seconds. The first stage booster consists of a surplus Navy Terrier MK 12 Mod 1 rocket motor with four 340 square inch fin panels arranged in a cruciform configuration. The Terrier rocket booster has an diameter of 18 inches. The second stage solid rocket is a Thiokol Malemute TU-758 rocket motor which is designed especially for high altitude research rocket applications. Apogee is approximately 400 km (220 nmi) for a 500 lb payload or 700 km (380 nmi) for a 91 kg (201 lb) payload. For a payload weight of 200 pounds, the acceleration during the boost phase is 26 g.
A version with an Improved Malemute upper stage, the Terrier Improved Malemute, has made two successful test flights and two failed attempt. Two of these rockets were successfully used in the ATREX upper atmospheric study.