Northwestern University Space Technology and Rocketry Society (NUSTARS) NASA Student Launch Flight Readiness Review March 16, 2015
Launch Vehicle Overview Mass: 15.65lb Fiberglass airframe 4 in diameter
Test Launch 1 Altitude: 3293 ft Mass: 14.9 lbs Wind: 15 mph Recovery: Only Apogee deployed Notes: -Failure due to weather -No damage due to snow on ground
Test Launch 2 Altitude: 3101 ft Mass: 15.3 lbs Wind: 4 mph Recovery: Main deployed at apogee Notes: -Excessive drift -New test instituted to correct wiring failure -Launch vehicle stuck in power lines
Test Launch 3 Altitude: Mass: lbs Wind: 9 mph Recovery: Successful Notes: -ASGE operational -Payload door operational -Landed in tree
Motor Description Cesaroni Technology J1520 Vmax Burn time:.7 Seconds Rail exit velocity: 123 ft/s Thrust to weight ratio:
Rocket Flight Stability Stability: 2.13 Cal CP location: 173 cm from nose CG location: 151 cm from nose Launch Results
Mass Statement Total Mass: oz Booster mass: oz Payload section mass: oz
Recovery Parachute (apogee) Size: 12 in Parachute ( B. Main) Size: 48 in Descent Rate: ft/sec KE: lbf-ft/sec ● Parachute (P. main) Size: 30 in Descent Rate: ft/sec KE: lbf-ft/sec
Recovery (cont.) Features: ● Parachute Bag ● Dual Raven 3s ● Ejection Charges ● Switches
Simulations Predicted altitude of the launch vehicle with a 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mph wind Predicted drift from the launch pad with a 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mph wind
Recovery System Tests Ejection charge tests Launch experience
Key Design Features—Launch Vehicle Payload door -2 hinges -Tab -Coupler rings -Magnetic seal -Containment
Summary of Requirements Verification—Launch Vehicle RequirementVerification Apogee altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level To be verified by test launch Launch vehicle is recoverable and reusable To be verified by inspection ( in progress) Automatically capture, place, and seal the payload within the rocket, erect the rocket to a vertical launch position five degrees off vertical, insert igniter and activation for launch within 10 minutes To be verified by inspection ( in progress)
AGSE Modular in 3 parts 4 ft piece lifts 8 ft piece supports 2 ft piece for payload
Power Source Testing Tested using current source to determine current load Limited by availability of plug in power
Battery Powered Tests Calibration lift at Northwestern Full lift/ignitor at March 15 launch in Bong, Wi
AGSE/Payload Design & Dimensions Rocket lifting by Linear actuators 1515 Rail buttons
AGSE/Payload Integration Stepper motor powered arm
Integration w/ Ground Systems
Summary of Requirements Verification—AGSE/Payload RequirementVerification Autonomous proceduresTo be verified by test launch (in progress) Transport payload into vehicleTo be verified by test launch (in progress) Lifting of vehicle and insertion of igniter Verified by test launch
Educational Engagement Kindergarten program 5 week middle school program Middle school info session
Questions?