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The Special Projects Subteam is responsible for research and development projects that span across multiple parts of the team. This includes designing, constructing, and flying test rockets for various parts of the Spaceport America and High Altitude projects.
The Special Projects Subteam is responsible for research and development projects that span across multiple parts of the team. This includes designing, constructing, and flying test rockets for various parts of the Spaceport America and High Altitude projects.
Project DNL
Project DNL
Project DNL was the team's first 2-stage rocket, and it served to test stage coupling/separation and in-flight motor ignition in preparation for the 2024 High Altitude rocket.
Project DNL was the team's first 2-stage rocket, and it served to test stage coupling/separation and in-flight motor ignition in preparation for the 2024 High Altitude rocket.
One of the primary challenges with a 2-stage rocket is ensuring that the stages remain rigidly connected during the initial boost but separate successfully before the second motor ignites. For this purpose, the team designed, machined, and tested an "Anti-Boattail Coupler" (ABC) mechanism that held the booster and sustainer stages together using only gravity and the motor's thrust, ensuring smooth separation after burnout. This coupler proved successful on all three test flights, leading to its use on the 2024 High Altitude Rocket.
One of the primary challenges with a 2-stage rocket is ensuring that the stages remain rigidly connected during the initial boost but separate successfully before the second motor ignites. For this purpose, the team designed, machined, and tested an "Anti-Boattail Coupler" (ABC) mechanism that held the booster and sustainer stages together using only gravity and the motor's thrust, ensuring smooth separation after burnout. This coupler proved successful on all three test flights, leading to its use on the 2024 High Altitude Rocket.
Project S
Project S
Following up on the 2-stage success of the 2023-2024 school year, Special Projects' main project this year will be a new test rocket that features a new, lighter coupler and a transition between two body tube sizes.
The primary goal of this project is to test staging while supersonic in preparation for this year's High Altitude rocket.
Gold Celadon
Gold Celadon
In support of the team's recovery-focused 2024 Spaceport America Podium presentation, the team brought the previous recovery test rocket, Gold Celadon, back into service with modifications to measure shock loads during main parachute deployment.
Through multiple flights, Gold Celadon was used to test a new parachute design and observe worst-case scenario shock loads.
Special Projects Lead: Liam Normand (norma514@umn.edu)
Special Projects Lead: Liam Normand (norma514@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!
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