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Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
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- A Propulsion Team Skype telecon was held this past Saturday to discuss preparations for the upcoming MiniSShot motor test firing. The primary test date was set for July 25th with 26th as a backup. An earlier date was ruled out due to prior commitments by various team members. Participants in the telecon were Matt Campbell, Chris King, Rick Maschek and Richard Nakka.
- Richard has completed fabrication of 6 casting tubes made of ablator material for the upcoming MiniSShot motor test firing. After rough casting, the tubes were accurately machined to the required dimensions. Flanges at each end allow for bonded lap joints. Once the propellant has been cast in each tube, the six tubes will be bonded together to form a monolithic "blast tube" which will provide thermal protection of the motor casing during second phase firing. The tubes will be sent to Rick Maschek later this week for propellant casting.
Finished tubes:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/ablator_tubes_007.jpg
- Last weekend at Delamar Dry Lake, Nevada, Rick Maschek test fired the "2-grain R&D motor" with a finocyl grain. Chamber pressure was recorded by use of a pressure gage connected to the forward bulkhead. Despite a 5-gram thermite igniter, the motor suffered a soft startup. Upon reflection, it was felt that contributing factors to the slow start was a low Kn, difficulty of igniting KNSB in the "fin slots", and the short motor length. Rick is planning another similar motor firing, except with pyrogen ignition similar to what was used for the BEM.
Video of pressure gage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3gqsKgz2DY&feature=channel_page
- Richard has received shipment of the Main Computer (MC) and Thermal Sensor boards sent by Hans, for safekeeping.
Photo of Main Computer (left) and Thermal Board (right):
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/mc_002.jpg
Hans reports that two additional MC PC boards have been ordered, and hopes to fly the units at a DARK launch in August.
- Arve Jorgen Haugland Tokheim has become our latest donor to graduate from Bronze level to Silver level, thanks so much for your support and for believing in our goal, Arve !
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Expenses have been adding up and our funds are dwindling. To help keep
SS2S alive and thrivng, help out by making a contribution to the Sugar
Shot to Space program.
http://www.sugarshot.org/sponsors.html#Donors
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Project
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