|
Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Rick Maschek successfully launched a 4-finned rocket from the FAR
tower launcher. The tower is intended for 3-finned rockets and the goal
of the test was to determine if the 4-finned MiniSShot rocket could
potentially be launched from this tower. Video of the launch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQoFYz558gs
- The radio beacon (BeeLine) Instructions/Checklist and the
Featherweight “Parrot” Instructions/Checklist documents, written by
Chris King, have now been added to the SS2S website documentation page,
courtesy Alberto Gassol.
http://sugarshot.org/documentation_old.html
- Blair Nakka has manufactured lug fittings for “drop-away bands”. The
lugs are designed to engage the rail launcher at the FAR site, and will
be attached to metal bands that are designed to wrap around the rocket.
After clearing the rail, the bands open and fall away from the rocket.
This will serve as a backup system in case the tower launch at the FAR
site should prove to be incompatible with the MiniSShot rocket.
Photo of raw machined fittings:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/imgp0586a.jpg
- Richard has completed the vehicle coupler connections. This involved
drilling the holes in the airframe sections, motor and couplers for the
attachments screws.
- Richard has completed and successfully proof tested the Pyro
Separation Device (PSD), which serves to separate the vehicle into two
sections at apogee, allowing deployment of drogue chutes. Development of
the PSD was done in collaboration with Rick Maschek with initial design
work that began last September. Video of test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJL_a_3R-BI
In the video, the “forward taper coupler” can be seen forcibly
separating from the “aft taper coupler” (mounted in body tube) which
houses the PSD. The couplers attach the Payload Capsule (nosecone and
recovery bay) from the Booster section.
- Richard has received the telemetry system devices sent from Slovak
Republic by Peter Kocalka. The devices will next be integrated into the
Forward Avionics Bay. Peter also sent MC s/n008 which he had used during
development of the telemetry.
- Peter has produced a first draft of the Telemetry Instructions/Checklist.
- Andrew reports that fabrication of the composite fins have been
completed.
- Richard has received the Featherweight Parrot and Chute Controller
from Chris King, who recently concluded flight testing of the Chute
Controller. Chris also sent 15-pin "disconnect" electrical connectors
which will potentially be used as electrical interface between the two
sections of the vehicle.
- Chris King has completed a test report of last weekends GHATR flight
test of the Chute Controller:
Report: http://sugarshot.org/downloads/ghatr_flight_test_report.pdf
Flight video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMhuGsBUlYs
- Knut Gangaasaeter has ordered a set of SS2S decals for application on
the MiniSShot airframe. These have been shipped to Rick Maschek from a
printing company in England.
- A telecon was held this past Wednesday to continue planning for
incorporation of Sugar Shot to Space as a non-profit organization (NPO).
Application is expected to be underway by the end of the month.
Participants in the telecon were Richard Nakka, Sam Grado, Robert Krech
and Dan Pollino. Robert Krech has drafted two important documents
required for NPO application: "Purpose of Sugar Shot to Space" and a set
of bylaws.
- Current status of the MiniSShot Flight Readiness Tasks:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/minisshot_flight_readiness_tasks_2010-01-17.pdf
--------------------
Donations are URGENTLY needed to fund the NPO application process. The
costs of this key endeavour are significant, and without funds being
available, the process could be stymied. We need your support.
http://www.sugarshot.org/sponsors.html#Donors
_______________________________________________
SS-Main mailing list
SS-Main@sugarshot.org
http://www.exrocketry.net/mailman/listinfo/ss-main
|
Project
Description
