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Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
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- Peter Kocalka submitted a progress report on the telemetry system
that he has been developing and testing with good results:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/report_2.pdf
- Rick Maschek has continued to make good progress in the post-firing
dissection of the MiniSShot rocket motor. The following two photos show
the interior of the aft motor chamber as seen after removal of the
Nozzle and Mid-bulkhead. Rick writes:
"The first photo is from the nozzle end. In the foreground right side
you see the motor casing, the foil lining, and the ablative tube of
the casting tube nearest the nozzle. You then see the second casting
tube that has intruded (inward) into the chamber...I think the heat
causes the material to expand and sometimes causes the casting tubes to
then buckle inward as they try to expand. Does this happen post
first-pulse firing, during the delay or after firing the second pulse? I
think the latter since the casting tubes of the forward section looked
great and slid right out."
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dsc08331a.jpg
"The second photo is from the mid-bulkhead end of the aft casing.
Again as you move inward: casing, stainless steel foil lining, ablative
casting tube that has been scraped clean, and finally the charred
surface of the casting tubes. It was interesting that the end of the
(forward-most) casting tube was completely burned away at the
mid-bulkhead end."
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dsc08334a.jpg
- Andrew Nowakowski has provided the following photo of the fin core
material (CoreCell) shaped to the required geometry of the fin. Carbon
skins will be layered over both sides of the core:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/fincore-1.jpg
-Hans reports that the calibration of the Main Computer units (which are
planned to fly aboard a rocket in September) has been progressing more
smoothly of late. Hans reports:
"I have built 2 baro sensor "plug-ins" that will serve as altimeters,
and calibrated them as well. I plan to flight test both, and possibly a
third MC in early September. Other launch preparations are proceeding,
but as usual, it is going to be a close fit".
Hans also wrote that he will be sending a calibrated Main Computer unit
to Peter Kocalka this week for integration with the telemetry system and
subsequent testing.
- James Meyer has made a generous contribution of $250, making James our
newest Silver Donor. Thank you, James, for your highly welcome support!
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Help the Sugar Shot to Space program continue to make great strides
toward our goal of reaching Space. A financial donation will be most
helpful: http://www.sugarshot.org/sponsors.html#Donors
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Project
Description
