Archive for Launch and Recovery projects

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Launch Pad updates – cameras and plans for Launch pad #2

May31
by cgould on May 31, 2011 at 2:17 AM
Posted In: Launch and Recovery projects

Launch Pad Camera.

On the maiden flight of Perseus Rocket “Gallifrey”, I will be using a camera near the launch pad to take close-in shots of the rocket it clears the launch rod.   This camera angle will be used to study the forces acting on the rocket at the time of ignition, and clearing the launch rod.

Should make for some interesting launch video too!

Launch Pad #2

Soon, I will begin construction of launch pad #2.  This pad will be designed for high power rocketry, and will employ 1010 launch rail guide.

The pad will be used for flights of the Helios X6 class rocket to be launched in late fall 2011.  This launch pad will allow me to become accustomed to supporting larger and heavier rockets, along with the more powerful motors they require.

Details to come.

((( )))

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New launch pad worked flawlessly!

Jul31
by cgould on July 31, 2010 at 12:59 AM
Posted In: Launch and Recovery projects, XR2 (Artemis) Medium power booster Project

(July 25, Harmon flying Field, Aurora, OH)

The launch pad and associated electronics all performed flawlessly.  The first launch from the pad was Artemis booster #3,  and the launch was beautiful!

Artemis booster #3 awaiting the countdown to launch

...and LIFTOFF from the new launch pad!

Artemis booster #3 flew missions ALS 029 and 30 from the pad, followed by Artemis booster #3 with missions ALS031 and ALS032.

The Pegasus booster flew two missions from the launch pad, the second being its final mission concluding the experimentation of that new design, and clearing the way for project “Perseus”.  — More on that in a post soon!

Other rockets in my arsenal, but not part of my rocket experiments were flown from the pad too, including my Estes D Region Tomahawk using Aerotech E15w composite propellant motors.

The launch support system performance was textbook, and ready for the next series of launches August 14th!

((( )))

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Launch delayed to Sunday July 25 / launch pad update.

Jul24
by cgould on July 24, 2010 at 8:35 PM
Posted In: Launch and Recovery projects, XR2 (Artemis) Medium power booster Project

(Cuyahoga Falls, OH July 24, 2010)

Due to high winds, Saturdays launches have been delayed until Sunday.

The purpose of the next three Artemis missions will be to test the new custom built mid power launch pad, and associated electronics.

Launch pad test fitting using Artemis Booster.

The electronics include a SLA battery powered pad support unit, and hand held launch controller.

Un-armed aunch controller showing remote igniter continuity indication.

Launch controller armed for launch.

Big box on the left contains the 7Ah SLA battery.

This launch pad is the first step in our bigger project of a customized launch pad system to support future higher power rocketry projects.  Consider it our “getting the feet wet” phase.

We will let you know how it all works out!

((( )))

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