The University of Canterbury Rocketry Project is developing a solid fuel sounding rocket with inertial guidance suitable for testing new guidance and control algorithms, and carrying scientific payloads.
We had a perfect clear day with no wind, perfect for testing the new parachute deployment system. We had the old launch guide back into service as much of our equipment was still under earthquake lockdown. After the setup and pre-flight checks, I hit the loud button. The acceleration from the new Aerotech motor (with a much faster burn that our experimental motor) gave me quite a fright. Lisa II soared up into the clear sky and disappeared.
After a long pause, we heard the distinct pop of the drogue chute deploying, and eventually located the rocket descending rapidly. The main deployed cleanly, landing the rocket gently in the tussocks 100m away from the launch site.
A few more test flights and we will be ready to fit actuators and instrumentation... watch this space.
No comments:
Post a Comment