Payload
As part of the SA Cup competition, each rocket is required to carry a payload of at least 4kg that has a separate mission than the rocket. The Payload Subteam is responsible for making that 4+ kg as cool as possible. At the Spaceport America Cup, the judges will select the most impressive payloads for awards.
As part of the SA Cup competition, each rocket is required to carry a payload of at least 4kg that has a separate mission than the rocket. The Payload Subteam is responsible for making that 4+ kg as cool as possible. At the Spaceport America Cup, the judges will select the most impressive payloads for awards.
Current Payload (2023-2024)
Current Payload (2023-2024)
This year (2023-24) the goal is to develop a digital In-line Holography (DIH) sensor to measure the size and concentration of airborne particles during the rocket's ascent.
This year (2023-24) the goal is to develop a digital In-line Holography (DIH) sensor to measure the size and concentration of airborne particles during the rocket's ascent.
This system uses the interference pattern of light bending around particles with the oncoming light to determine the size and shape of particles.
This system uses the interference pattern of light bending around particles with the oncoming light to determine the size and shape of particles.
Once operational this system will be able to measure the concentrations of small airborne particles in the atmosphere at the rocket ascends and descends during flight getting a clear image of what and how many particles are airborne at different altitudes.
Once operational this system will be able to measure the concentrations of small airborne particles in the atmosphere at the rocket ascends and descends during flight getting a clear image of what and how many particles are airborne at different altitudes.
Air Brake Project (2023-2024)
Air Brake Project (2023-2024)
This year the payload subteam has begun working in conjunction with the GNC and Special Projects subteams to develop an air brake system for testing and potential future use in a SAC rocket.
This year the payload subteam has begun working in conjunction with the GNC and Special Projects subteams to develop an air brake system for testing and potential future use in a SAC rocket.
The payload subteam is developing the mechanism and physical systems for the air brakes. With the GNC team working on the software and control and the Special Projects team working on a test rocket to fly the system.
The payload subteam is developing the mechanism and physical systems for the air brakes. With the GNC team working on the software and control and the Special Projects team working on a test rocket to fly the system.
This system is designed to maximize safety and limit any risks during air brake actuation. Extensive planning and discussion have and continue to occur in order to limit potential surprises or failures under non-standard situations.
This system is designed to maximize safety and limit any risks during air brake actuation. Extensive planning and discussion have and continue to occur in order to limit potential surprises or failures under non-standard situations.
Meet Our Previous Payloads
Meet Our Previous Payloads
2023 Payload Model in Flight Configuration
Folding Quadcopter
Folding Quadcopter
2022-2023
2022-2023
This payload is a quadcopter and deployment system that would land alongside the rocket and deploy the quadcopter from a self orienting landing/deployment system. the quadcopter could then unfold and fly a predetermined gps path.
This payload is a quadcopter and deployment system that would land alongside the rocket and deploy the quadcopter from a self orienting landing/deployment system. the quadcopter could then unfold and fly a predetermined gps path.
2022 Payload Model in Flight Configuration
Quadcopter
Quadcopter
2021-2022
2021-2022
This payload is a quadcopter which could be assembled and deployed by a recovery team on the ground after the rocket lands, using only minimal onboard tools and a manual controller. This quadcopter was controlled via radio and a manual controller.
This payload is a quadcopter which could be assembled and deployed by a recovery team on the ground after the rocket lands, using only minimal onboard tools and a manual controller. This quadcopter was controlled via radio and a manual controller.
Biplane Drone
Biplane Drone
2020-2021
2020-2021
This payload is an autonomous gliding drone. This drone will take the shape of a biplane aircraft, with two wings to generate more lift. The wings will be folded during launch in the rocket and then deploy to be ready to fly while the rocket drifts down under its first (drogue) parachute.
This payload is an autonomous gliding drone. This drone will take the shape of a biplane aircraft, with two wings to generate more lift. The wings will be folded during launch in the rocket and then deploy to be ready to fly while the rocket drifts down under its first (drogue) parachute.
Parafoil
Parafoil
2018-2020
2018-2020
This payload is a parafoil glider that deploys from the rocket at apogee (its highest point) and will glide down to the ground with the assistance of guidance controls. It also collects data and sends it to a ground station.
This payload is a parafoil glider that deploys from the rocket at apogee (its highest point) and will glide down to the ground with the assistance of guidance controls. It also collects data and sends it to a ground station.
Rover
Rover
2015-2017
2015-2017
This payload was a ground rover with spunk that won us First Place in the SDL Payload Challenge at Spaceport America Cup in 2016.
This payload was a ground rover with spunk that won us First Place in the SDL Payload Challenge at Spaceport America Cup in 2016.
Payload Lead: Michael Heintz (heint065@umn.edu)
Payload Lead: Michael Heintz (heint065@umn.edu)
Would you like to attend a meeting? Check out the team calendar to find out when the next one is!
Would you like to attend a meeting? Check out the team calendar to find out when the next one is!
Want to hear more and join? Fill out the Interest Form!