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High Power Rocketry: Personal and Research Project
Design, build, and fly high power rockets with the Rocketry Organization of California (ROC) in the Mojave Desert; passed written and practical assessment to earn NationalAssociation of Rocketry (NAR) Jr. Level 1 High Power Cert. (highest for age); utilize computer simulation (OpenRocket) and CAD as well as fiberglass composites and 3Dprinting. Self-guided independent study to research, design, and test novel, CO2-based mechanism to deploy parachutes on high-power rockets without black powder;. This makes high altitude flights more accessible to minors/wider audience. rapid iteration through 6 versions; work collaboratively with the BCIL Fabrication Lab; reduce cost to end user.
Successful first test flight
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On-site workbench - Installing CO2 and electronics before launch
Launch!
Working with rocket team from neighboring school
Integrated ground test with M2 shear pins
Project Summary
Project: Prototype and fly a system to electronically deploy parachutes on a high-power rocket using CO2. Conventional methods for dual deployment (the practice of deploying a drogue parachute at apogee and a main chute at a predetermined altitude) utilize restricted black powder or expensive and complicated systems.
Role: Solo project, 12th grade Independent Study with the BCIL
Process:
Prototype CO2 delivery mechanism using recycled parts
Test and calibrate nichrome wire actuation method
ground test
integrate into avionics bay
ground test integrated system with shear-pins
test fly
improve to fit inside a 38mm body tube
Solution: Rapidly release CO2 from a canister in a compact, lightweight, and reliable fashion that is compatible with existing flight controllers (does not require a servo output)
Impact: This would allow minors to fly to higher altitudes and utilize dual deployment without needing to handle black power or E-matches.
What has been learned:
Project Skills
Skills learned/used: fiberglass construction (composites), CAD (Fusion 360), 3D Printing, painting, soldering, parachute packing
Tools learned/ used: Dremel, 3D printer, soldering iron, basic hand tools
Software: Autodesk Fusion 360, OpenRocket
Techniques applied
Project Support
Relevant communities: Rocketry Organization of California (ROC), National Association of Rocketry (NAR), r/Rocketry online community
Relevant certifications: National Association of Rocketry (NAR) - Jr. Level 1 High Power Rocketry Certification
Relevant Education: UCLA - Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Los Angeles, CA July 2023
Engineering Design in Aerospace Engineering - Rockets (E96)
Designed, built, and launched rockets with UCLA Rocket Project Team Members.
Volunteer: ROC general volunteer: dissemble launch pads, tables, and ignition leads before and after ROC launch days and events. Lake Lucerne Dry Bed, Mojave.
Over 11 years of designing, building, and launching prior to current projects
Lucerne Dry Lakebed, Mojave, CA 34.495, -116.96
I enjoy going on-site for multi-day launch events. Here, I get to launch the different rockets I have built, each with its own unique characteristics. Rocketry Organizations of California (ROC), along with the National Association of Rockery (NAR), hosts these launches. I enjoy the community of high-powered rocketry enthusiasts I meet, learn from, and engage with. We share our designs and support each other. I can watch makers who have spent years on their rockets and have been coming for 30+ years.
I’ve enjoyed building different rockets for over 11 years. Each one has taught me something whether that be new construction materials, propellant compositions, computer simulations, fin shapes, or parachute deployment mechanisms.