Title: Get Ready for Rocket Day!
1Get Ready for Rocket Day!
- Janet Charles Hoult
- Assured Space Access Technologies, Inc. (ASAT)
- 2008 AIAA Passport to the Future Teacher Workshop
- 21-22 July 2008
- Hartford, CT
2So, Whats a Rocket Day?
- Objective is to encourage students to consider a
career in science, technology, engineering or
mathematics - A Rocket Day is a school-sponsored coming
together of rocket enthusiasts to fly their model
rockets - Rocket Days sometimes include competitive events
- Team America Rocketry Challenge
- Coming closest to predicted apogee altitude
- Type of rocket flown depends on student grade
level - Grades 3-5 fly water rocketscompressed air
drives water from soft drink bottles converted to
rockets - Grades 6-9 fly small solid rockets
- Grades 10-12 fly larger solid rockets
- Rocket Day includes many activities
- Classroom instruction on rocketry space
exploration - Workshop for each student to build his own model
rocket from a kit - Can be done on a weekend to encourage parental
participationIt can be a great picnic opportunity
3Workshop Outline
- Introduction to Rocket Day will focus on three
topics - How rockets work
- Rocket assembly workshop
- Rocket Day activities
- Overview of supplemental material
- Wrap up
4How Do We Get Started?
- The best way to begin model rocketry is with an
Estes flying model rocket Starter Set or Launch
Set. You can either start with a Ready To Fly
Starter Set or Launch Set that has a fully
constructed model rocket or an E2X Starter Set
or Launch Set with a rocket that requires
assembly prior to launching. - Both types of sets come complete with an
electrical launch controller, adjustable launch
pad and an information booklet to get you out and
flying in no time. - Starter Sets include engines, Launch Sets let
you choose your own engines (not included). Buy
motors at your local hobby store. Youll need
four AA alkaline batteries and perhaps glue,
depending on which set you select.
5How Easy How Much Time Does It Take to Build My
Rockets?
Estes model rocket kits range from ready to fly
in just minutes to those that provide many
enjoyable hours of building fun. Estes kits are
classified into five categories. READY TO FLY
(RTF) No paint, glue or modeling skills
required. Rocket comes assembled and is ready for
liftoff in just minutes. E2X ROCKET KITS No
paint or special tools needed. E2X kits contain
parts that are colored and easy to assemble.
Simply glue the parts together as per the
instructions, apply the self-adhesive decals,
attach the recovery system and you are ready to
blast off! Assembly takes 1 hour or less. SKILL
LEVEL 1 ROCKET KITS Requires some painting,
gluing and sanding. Features laser cut balsa
fins, slotted body tubes, plastic nose cones and
self-adhesive decals. Step by step instructions
make building very easy. Assembly takes at least
an afternoon. SKILL LEVEL 2 ROCKET KITS First
tier of more advanced kits. Requires beginner
skills in model rocket construction and
finishing. Features laser cut balsa or plastic
fins, plastic nose cones and unfinished body
tubes. Assembly may take a complete day. SKILL
LEVEL 3 ROCKET KITS Second tier of more advanced
kits. Requires moderate skills in model rocket
construction and finishing. Features multiple
laser cut balsa fins and parts, unfinished body
tubes, complex designs and plastic nose cones.
Assembly may take a couple of days
6Past and Future of Rocketry
7Early History
- In the beginning.
- Circa first century AD China, according to
legend - Casual experimentation with mixtures of powered
sulfur, charcoal saltpeter gave off lots of
bright light smoke - If this mixture was confined to a bamboo tube
with plugged ends thrown into a fire, there
would be a loud bang. Many evil spirits were
thus frightened away - Thats how fireworks were invented
- But, sometimes one end of the bamboo tube was
imperfectly closed, and the bamboo went flying - Thats how rockets were invented!
- Circa tenth century AD China
- Rockets were developed as weapons of war
- Early rocket technology diffused over East Asia
8More History
- Sir William Congreve (1772-1828)
- British artilleryman, stationed in India,
observed rockets used as weapons of war - He inspired the Royal Army Navy to adopt
rockets as weapons - Most famous application was the British naval
attack on Fort McHenry, Md, in 1814. Documented
in Francis Scott Keys poem, The Star Spangled
Banner with the phrase, the rockets red glare - After the Napoleanic wars, the British military
abandoned rockets (only for a while) because they
were less accurate than guns
9Konstantin E. Tsiolkovskii (1857-1935)
- A poor provincial school teacher working in
Kaluga far from Moscow was the first to begin the
theoretical mathematical study of rocket flight - In 1903, he published, in Russian, The
Exploration of Cosmic Space by Means of Reaction
Devices - It included whats now called Tsiolkovskiis law
(more later on this), one foundation of ballistic
missile and interplanetary rocket flight - First proposed multi stage rocketslower stage
velocity (DV) added to upper stage DV to reach
very high total velocity - First proposed liquid oxygen (lox) hydrogen
propellants - Envisioned humanity spreading into space
10Dr. Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945)
- Did the work for which hes most famous while a
professor at Clark Univ. in Worcester, MA - Patented a vacuum tube amplifier before de
Forest! - First applied the de Laval steam turbine nozzle
to rocketssignificant performance improvement - Built launched the first liquid rocket in
Auburn, MA in 1926 - With Guggenheim funding, continued to build ever
more sophisticated rockets until 1935 - Later rockets were launched from Roswell, NM
- Published A Method of Reaching Extreme
Altitudes in 1919 - Widely scorned by the media (esp. The New York
Times) for his errors - After the 1969 Apollo landing on the moon, the NY
Times finally published a correction
11Dr. Werner M. M. Freiherr von Braun (1912-1977)
- Mother gave him a telescope as a confirmation
present at age 12 - While at the Technical University of Berlin
joined the Spaceflight Society - Hitler came to power while he worked on his
Doctorate, Wehrmacht funded his studies - Joined the Nazi Party SS and led the V-2
development team at Peenemunde - Emigrated to U.S. after the war and led U.S.
Army ballistic missile (Redstone Jupiter)
development at Redstone Arsenal - Responsible for Jupiter C that launched first
U.S. satellite (Explorer 1) - Joined NASA when it was established and led the
Saturn (Apollo) development work
V-2
Von Braun Saturn V first stage
12ICBMs and SLBMs The Space Race
- The two most significant World War II
technologies, the atomic bomb and the ballistic
missile, were integrated by the USSR the USA
starting in the mid 1950s - The object of this quest was a practical
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a
nuclear warhead. The country with ICBMs was
thought to be secure. - A variant was the Submarine-Launched Ballistic
Missile (SLBM) - It was possible to attack ICBM bases before they
could launch their missiles, but the submarines
hosting SLBMs were much harder to locate
destroy - The USSRs rocket program was the more extensive
during the late 1940s and early 1950sthey first
deployed large ballistic missile weapons - The West was thoroughly frightened
- Catch up to the Russians had the highest
priority - Most early space launches used ICBMs as boosters
- Provided a public window onto secret military
capabilities
Proficiency in space exploration implied
proficiency in ballistic missiles
13Sergey Korolyov (1907-1966)
- Caught up in Stalins purges and sent to Siberian
Gulag - His identity was a state secret throughout his
lifetimepress only referred to him as the Chief
Designer - Led the design bureau creating all early Soviet
ballistic missiles - Responsible for building and launching Sputnik,
the first earth satellite - Led the team building launching the first
successful lunar probesLuna 3 took the first
photographs of the Moons far side - Died due to a botched surgical procedure
14Cosmonauts, Astronauts ( Taikonauts)
- First man in space was Russian Cosmonaut Yuri
Gagarin - Fighter pilot
- First single orbit flight (12 April 1961)Awarded
the Hero of the Soviet Union - Died in a MIG-15 crash in 1968
- First man to step onto the lunar surface was
Astronaut Neil Armstrong (1930-) - Commander of Apollo 11, first Moon landing (16
July 1969) - Taught at Univ. of Cincinnati (1971-1979)now
retired - Today, hundreds from many nations have flown in
space - 294 Americans
- 72 Russians
- Others from Saudi Arabia, France, Canada, Italy,
Israel, Japan, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Mexico,
Ukraine, Switzerland, Netherlands, etc. - Now, the first two Chinese Taikonauts have
orbited the earth!
Gagarin
Armstrong
15Ballistic Missile Defense
- Ballistic missile defense schemes have been
around since the 1960s - In the 1970s, the US studied Sprint, Spartan
Safeguard while Russia deployed Galosh - All used nuclear warheads to negate incoming
reentry vehicles - Problem was, the nukes did vast damage via
Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) to the assets they
were trying to protect - Hence the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treatyIf
you couldnt make it work, then you might as well
sign a treaty against it - Modern hit-to-kill warheads make ballistic
missile defense practicalno EMP - Consist of tracking systems (radars and infrared
(IR) sensing satellites), rocket-boosted
hit-to-kill warheads (based on dry land or on
ships), and command, control and battle
management elements - Main issue with current systems is their
inflexibilityimprovements in the pipeline are - Migrating from ground-based radars to space-based
IR satellites for vastly better coverage - Migrating from fixed-site silo launchers to
ship-based launchers to better engage evolved
threats and scenarios - Improved sensors for better discrimination
between reentry vehicles and decoys
16Back to the Moon, on to Asteroids Mars
- Constellation system
- Orion is the new Crew Capsuleslightly larger
than that used by Apollo - Ares I is a two stage booster for the Orion Crew
Capsulefirst stage is a stretched Space Shuttle
Solid Booster rocket, second stage uses an
improved version of the Apollo J2 LOX-hydrogen
rocket engine - Ares V is an unmanned cargo carrieralso uses
legacy Space Shuttle Apollo hardware - After the Space Shuttle is grounded around 2010,
Constellation provides follow-on capability - Manned missions include rendezvous with the
International Space Station, return to the Moon,
establishment of a permanent lunar base,
rendezvous with near-earth asteroids and finally,
landing on Mars - Time frame is next two decades
- Early testing has begunstatic firings, capsule
drop tests, etc.
Orion
Ares I Ares V
17Theory of Rockets
- Dr. Eric Besnard
- California State University, Long Beach
- Project Director, California Launch Vehicle
Education Initiative - http//www.csulb.edu/rockets/
18How does a rocket work?
- Exercise 1
- Take a balloon and blow it up Do not tie it
- Release the balloon
- What happens? Why?
- Exercise 2
- Take a cart with a pile of bricks on it
- Stand on the cart and throw bricks backward
- If there is no friction on the wheel, what
happens? Why?
19Thrust
- This effect comes from conservation of momentum
- Momentum
- Definition mass x velocity (speed)
- A truck at 40 miles per hour has more momentum
than a car at 40 miles per hour - A car at 40 miles per hour has more momentum than
a car at 20 miles per hour - Newtons first law of motion When no external
forces are applied on the object, momentum is
conserved - Mass exits backwards at a certain speed or
velocity - Therefore object moves forward at a speed which
will conserve momentum - ? THRUST is generated
Rocket (large mass, small velocity)
Gas (small mass, large velocity)
20Rocket Flight
Newtons second law of motion forces acting on
the object will change the momentum of the
object F m a - F sum of all forces
- m mass of object - A acceleration of
object Forces on our rocket Drag (air) Weight
(gravity) Thrust (engine) Fins stabilize the
rocket Launcher rail guides the rocket
Recovery Systems Deployed
Rocket reaches Apogee Altitude. Ejection Charge
Activates Recovery System
Tracking Smoke Generated During Time Delay /
Coast Phase
Motor Burns Out
Rocket Safely Returns to Earth
Rocket Accelerates Gains Altitude
8
1
8
Electrically Ignited Rocket Engine Provides
Lift-Off
Touchdown, Replace the Motor, Igniter Recovery
Wadding. Ready to Launch Again!
21Propellants
- Liquid Propellants
- Fuel Oxidizer stored separately
- Liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (Space
Shuttle) - LOX-alcohol, LOX-kerosene (early ballistic
missiles) - Combined in combustion chamber
- Combustion pressure attained by
- Turbopumps
- Stored gaseous pressurant
- Solid Propellants
- Heterogeneous, aka composites, (modern ballistic
missiles) - Oxidizer Fuel, while mixed intimately, are
stored as distinct molecules - Oxidizer (NH4ClO4) and fuel (Al) held in a rubber
matrix (also fuel) - Black powderthis is what most model rockets use
(10 powdered sulfur, 75 salt peter (KNO3) 15
powdered charcoal)plus a teeny bit of binder - Homogeneous
- Fuel Oxidizer are part of the same molecule
- During combustion, molecule decomposes and
components burn - Gun cotton
22Nozzles
- All modern rockets use a de Laval concept
- Subsonic converging section
- Sonic throat
- Supersonic diverging section
- Conical easy to manufacture 98
efficientthis is what model rockets use - Bell more difficult to manufacture 99
efficient - Multiple cooling concepts
- Regenerative Propellant flows thru hollow nozzle
walls until its injected into combustion chamber - Ablative Nozzle wall chars, the char insulates
the uncharred nozzle wall - Film A thin propellant film coats the nozzle
wall and insulates it - Heat sink The nozzle just gets hotter during
firingthis is what model rockets use
23Rocket engines
- Generate high velocity gas by chemical reaction
(burning) of propellants - Something which burns fuel
- Something which carries oxygen oxidizer
- Unlike aircraft engines which take the oxygen
from the atmosphere (air-breathing engines),
rocket engines carry their own oxygen so they can
fly in space (where there is no atmosphere)
LOX tank
Solid Rocket Booster
LH2 tank
- Examples of Propellants
- Estes rockets black powder
- Space Shuttle Orbiter
- Oxidizer liquid oxygen LOX ( -320 F) liquid
hydrogen, LH2 ( -425 F) - Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters
- Composite solid propellant
- Space Ship One
- Hybrid nitrous oxide (laughing gas) rubber
Orbiter
24A Really BIG rocket engine
- 5 F-1 engines were used on the Saturn V on its
way to the Moon - 1.5 million pounds thrust each!
25Smaller rockets, same technology
- Designed and integrated by Long Beach State
students
26Aerospike rocket engine static fire test
27When something goes wrong
28Prospector-4 flight
29A slightly bigger rocket sized for 20 lb to
orbit!
30Model Rockets
31Partial Model Rocket System Architecture
Model Rocket System
Flight Segment
Ground Segment
Data Segment
Training Materials
Simulations
Launcher
Controller
Facilities
Airframe
Propulsion
Launcher Anemometer
Fins Tube Nose Cone Lug Parachute
Motors Igniters
Field Ground Support Equipment
Controller Batteries
32Typical Model Rocket Components
6) Shock Cord Mount
10) Fin
2) Shock Cord
7) Body Tube
1) Nose Cone
9) Motor Hook
11) Launch Lug
8) Motor Mount
5) Shroud Lines
3) Parachute
4) Tape Rings
33Rocket Motor Cutaway
Rocket Kits
Apogee Medalist Motors Quest Motors Estes Motors
Aerotech Single-Use Motors Aerotech Reloadable
Motors Rouse-Tech Reload Casings Igniters/Wadding
RockSim
How Model Rocket Engines Work Get a printable
version of this information in Apogee e-zine
newsletter 114.
Related Information About Rocket Motors
How-To Information
Clay Cap
- Teaching Tips
- Free Rocketry Newsletter
Paper Case
- Free Reports
- Rocketry Links
- Educational Links
- About Us
Ejection Charge
For Teachers
- For Clubs
- TARC Teams
- Frequent Flyers
-
Delay Composition
Black Powder Propellant
Clay Nozzle
34Your rocket
Ejection charge for deployment of recovery system
Non-thrust delay and smoke for tracking charge
Solid propellant
High thrust charge for lift-off and acceleration
35How to Read the Motor Code
This letter indicates total impulse produced by
the motor. Each succeeding letter denotes twice
the total impulse as for the previous letter.
Example B motors have twice the impulse of A
motors.
This number shows the motors average thrust in
newtons, or the average push exerted by the
motor.
This number is the delay in seconds between the
end of thrusting (burnout) and ejection charge
action. Motor types ending in 0 have no delay or
ejection charge, and are for use in booster
stages only.
Estes motors are color-coded for recommended use.
GREEN motors are for use in single stage models
PURPLE motors for the top stages of multi-stage
rockets and very light single stage rockets RED
motors for all booster and intermediate states of
multi-stage models. BLUE are plugged and are
used for rocket powered racers and radio
controlled gliders, they contain no delay or
ejection charge.
36Rocket Motor Impulse Classes
Type Total Impulse (newton - seconds)
¼A 0.31-0.62
½A 0.63-1.25
A 1.26-2.50
B 2.51-5.00
C 5.01-10.00
D 10.01-20.00
E 20.01-30.00
37B6-4 Thrust Profile
Max.Thrust
(pounds)
Compressed Black Powder Propellant Specific
Impulse 80-83 sec Exhaust velocity 2550-2650
ft/sec
Thrust (newtons)
Average Thrust
Total Impulse / Duration
Ejection Charge Activates
Propellant Burnout
Delay Period No Measurable Thrust
Time (seconds)
38Estes Rocket Motor Code
Each rocket engine has a code printed upon the
outer jacket. An example of one such code is
A8-3. The capital letter (e.g., A) indicates
total impulse produced by the engine. Each
succeeding letter represents a power range with
maximum total impulse twice the impulse as the
previous letter. (Example A single C engine can
produce anywhere from 5.01 to 10 newton-seconds
of impulse, a G engine 80.1 to 160
newton-seconds.) Anything over a G engine is
considered high power model rocketry. The first
number (e.g., 8) specifies that engine's average
thrust in newtons or the average push exerted by
the engine. Thus a B6-0 and a C6-0 will both
produce the same average thrust of 6 newtons, but
the C6-0, having twice the total impulse, will
fire for twice as long. The rocket engines
produce maximum thrust shortly after ignition and
thrust declines to a steady-state which is
maintained for up to 2.5 seconds prior to
burnout.2 The final number (e.g., 3) indicates
the delay between burnout and the ejection
charge, in seconds. Engines with a delay of zero
are typically used as booster engines in
multi-stage rockets and there is no ejection
charge. In this case, the burning propellant
ruptures through the top and hot bits of
propellant enter the nozzle of the upper stage
engine, thus igniting that engine and forcing the
booster assembly away, usually to tumble safely
to earth.
Estes number coding1
39Thoughts on Payloads
- A payload is something useful that flies on a
rocket - Even though most beginning rocket hobbyists do
not attempt to fly payloads, the issue merits
discussion - Payloads considered to be acceptable to the
larger community include - Eggsusually to meet a requirement that they be
returned to earth intact - CamerasEstes Astrocam 110, kit no. 1327. Can
take great pictures from altitude - Aircraft such as rocket-boosted gliderse. g.,
Estes Screaming Eagle, kit no. 2117, and many
more - Any onboard sensors, including any telemetering
system, acoustic or radio-based - Payloads NOT considered to be acceptable to the
larger community include - Any vertebrate life form, especially mice. The
SPCA takes a strong stand on this point.
Insects, however, are OK - Anything that goes bang upon impact, and, even
worse, any incendiary device
40Typical Model Rocket Launcher Controller
Package it comes in
Package it comes in
Launch Rail
Launch Key
Launch Button
Status Light
Slot for tilting Launch Rail
41Solid Rocket Motor Functionality
42(No Transcript)
43(No Transcript)
44Rocket Day Organization
45Rocket Day Organization
- Range Safety Officer (RSO) - Yourself or the
leader who is in charge. The RSO has the final
say in all situations. The RSO carries the safety
key at all times and checks the air-worthiness of
all rockets. - Launch Control Officer (LCO) - This person is
responsible for actually firing the rocket.
Control panel set-up and dismantling is also this
persons responsibility. - Tracking Officer (TO) - This person is
responsible for the set-up, operation and
coordination of the tracking sites (TO). - Data Control Officer (DCO) In competitions
involving apogee altitude time of flight, this
individual collects, organizes and disseminates
all preflight and flight data. - 1-2 Tracking Crews - These could consist of
several positions at each site. Positions could
include tracking the rocket to measure its
altitude, recording altitude data - Recovery Crews - Consist of several people who
follow the flight, recover and return the rocket
to the Preparation Table under the RSOs
direction. - Staffing Sources Older, more experienced
students should be recruited for most of these
positions. Potential sources include Boy
Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Junior ROTC, or members
of a local model rocket club (see the NAR web
site for a listing of these)
46Launch Site Layout
Tracker 1
Tracker 2
Range Safety Officer
Data Recording Table Data Control Officer
Preparation Table
Recovery Team
Launch Control Officer
National or Club Flag
Range-In-Operation Pennant (optional)
Student-Observers
Parking Area (optional)
Launching Pad
47Further Rocket Day Suggestions
- In addition to the above suggestions, a table
could be set up for preparation of the rockets
before flight with someone responsible to
coordinate the flow of rockets to the pad. After
the data is recorded, the Data Control Officer is
responsible for collecting and compiling the
individual data cards into one report. - Preparing for a Rocket Day well in advance and
rehearsing the various operations, including
misfire responses, prior to a public performance
will ensure a high level of safety and provide a
well-coordinated program that everyone will
enjoy. The importance of staging a Rocket Day has
its value in stressing teamwork during the ground
operations while promoting good competition
during the flight portion. - Cross training your students in all of the
various roles mentioned above will familiarize
them with the entire launch operation and
increase the level of interaction each student
experiences. The possibilities of a Rocket Day
are unlimited and it is a wonderful way to bring
any rocket or space unit to a conclusion.
48Safety ConsiderationsEstes Alpha III Starter Set
Rockets
- Whats a reasonable field size?
- Keep in mind that most rockets will come down on
their parachutes - Biggest hazard from an impact outside the field
is it would put the rocket someplace where it
couldnt be easily recovered - For an Alpha III the predicted apogee altitude is
about 1100 ft 335 m. Then 85 of all impacts
would fall into a square field about 85m 280 ft
on a side. - What government rules must we pay close attention
to? - Federal Aviation Regulations Part 101.25 require
you notify your local FAA office at least 24, and
not more than 48 hours in advance of launch - Federal Aviation Regulations Part 101.23 (mostly
common sense) should also be considered compliant - This material is covered in detail in other
reference material
49A Rocket Day Logistics Check List
- Things you the teacher should plan to provide
- Rocket Launchers and Controller Panels (one for
every dozen students is a good planning number) - Fresh batteries to power ignition circuits
- Fire extinguishers and first aid kits If you
bring them, they wont be needed v.v. - PortaPotty (if no other facilities are available)
- A loud hailer so all can hear the count down and
RSO instructions - Inclinometers (2) and either a traffic wheel, GPS
or a long tape measure are needed to measure
apogee altitude. A good inclinometer choice is
Estes Industries Altitrak 302232, 23.75 each - A hand held anemometer to measure launch winds. A
good choice is Edmund Scientifics SkyMate
Windmeter 30823-43, 99.95. A nice-to-have, but
not essential. - Things you should remind each participant to
bring - Sun screen hats
- Water soft drinks. Possibly food also
- Folding chairs for the old folks. Also blankets
in cold weather - Cell phones for the two Trackers to communicate
with the Data Recording Table, the Data Control
Officer, the Range Safety Officer, the Launch
Control Officer yourself
50Procedures for One- and Two-Tracker Estimation of
Apogee
- Based on Estes Technical Report TR-3, Altitude
Tracking, 1988
51Quest Inclinometer
Quest Skyscope inclinometer No. 7812, 7.00
52Altitude Estimation with a Single Inclinometer
- First, acquire an inclinometer, either by making
your own from a protractor with a weighted
string, or by buying an Estes Altitrak - Next position an observer up wind from launcher
by a distance (d in the sketch) approximately
equal to the predicted apogee altitude. Measure
the distance d - Estes catalog provides predicted apogee altitudes
for their rocket kits - After liftoff, the observer tracks the rocket by
sighting along the instrument spine - Or by pointing the Altitrak
- When he perceives the rocket has gone as high as
it will, he notes the angle (e in the sketch) on
the instrument scale/protractor - Use formula to estimate apogee altitude
-
Wind
Line of Sight
H
e
d
Observer Launcher
H d tan(e)
53Estes Altitrak
- How high did it really go? Next time, measure it
with this easy to use device. Follow the rocket
in the sights to apogee, release the trigger to
lock the reading. Easy-to-read display gives you
your altitude in meters along with the elevation
angle. Use two Altitraks for greater accuracy.
Great for school and science projects! - Estes 302232
- 23.75
54Two-Tracker Layout
Wind
Tracker
Tracker
Launcher
h
h
- Locate the two Trackers equidistant from the
Launcher along a line parallel to the average
wind - The distance from the Launcher to each Tracker
is approximately equal to the predicted apogee
altitude h - Minimizes bias error in estimated apogee altitude
55Apogee Altitude Estimation
Line of Sight
Line of Sight
h
Tracker
Tracker
Launcher
e1
e2
d
- Measure maximum elevation angles e1 and e2 with
Estes Altitraks, or Quest Skyscopes - Measure distance d with a traffic wheel, or tape
measure, or GPS - Estimate apogee altitude h from
tan(e1) tan(e2)
h d
tan(e1) tan(e2)
56Federal Aviation RegulationsPart 101
57Federal Aviation Regulations
101.21 Applicability. top This subpart
applies to the operation of unmanned rockets.
However, a person operating an unmanned rocket
within a restricted area must comply only with
101.23(g) and with additional limitations
imposed by the using or controlling agency, as
appropriate. Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29,
1963 101.22 Special provisions for large
model rockets. top Persons operating
model rockets that use not more than 125 grams of
propellant that are made of paper, wood, or
breakable plastic that contain no substantial
metal parts, and that weigh not more than 1,500
grams, including the propellant, need not comply
with 101.23 (b), (c), (g), and (h),
provided (a) That person complies with all
provisions of 101.25 and (b) The operation is
not conducted within 5 miles of an airport runway
or other landing area unless the information
required in 101.25 is also provided to the
manager of that airport. Amdt. 1016, 59 FR
50393, Oct. 3, 1994
58 101.23 Operating limitations. top No
person may operate an unmanned rocket (a) In a
manner that creates a collision hazard with other
aircraft (b) In controlled airspace (c) Within
five miles of the boundary of any airport (d) At
any altitude where clouds or obscuring phenomena
of more than five-tenths coverage prevails (e)
At any altitude where the horizontal visibility
is less than five miles (f) Into any cloud (g)
Within 1,500 feet of any person or property that
is not associated with the operations or (h)
Between sunset and sunrise. (Sec. 6(c),
Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C.
1655(c))) Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29,
1963, as amended by Amdt. 1014, 39 FR 22252,
June 21, 1974
59101.25 Notice requirements. top No
person may operate an unmanned rocket unless that
person gives the following information to the FAA
ATC facility nearest to the place of intended
operation no less than 24 hours prior to and no
more than 48 hours prior to beginning the
operation (a) The names and addresses of the
operators except when there are multiple
participants at a single event, the name and
address of the person so designated as the event
launch coordinator, whose duties include
coordination of the required launch data
estimates and coordinating the launch event (b)
The estimated number of rockets to be
operated (c) The estimated size and the
estimated weight of each rocket and (d) The
estimated highest altitude or flight level to
which each rocket will be operated. (e) The
location of the operation. (f) The date, time,
and duration of the operation. (g) Any other
pertinent information requested by the ATC
facility. Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29,
1963, as amended by Amdt. 1016, 59 FR 50393,
Oct. 3, 1994
60 Model Rocketry Safety Code
61Model Rocketry Safety Code
- MaterialsMy model rocket will be made of
lightweight materials such as paper, wood,
rubber, and plastic suitable for the power used
and the performance of my model rocket. I will
not use any metal for the nose cone, body, or
fins of a model rocket. - Motors/EnginesI will use only commercially-made
NAR certified model rocket engines in the manner
recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter
the model rocket engine, its parts, or its
ingredients in any way. - RecoveryI will always use a recovery system in
my model rocket that will return it safely to the
ground so it may be flown again. I will use only
flame-resistant recovery wadding if required. - Weight and Power LimitsMy model rocket will
weigh no more than 1500 grams (53 oz.) at
lift-off, and its rocket engines will produce no
more than 320 Newton-seconds (4.45 Newtons equal
1.0 pound) of total impulse. My model rocket will
weigh no more than the engine manufacturers
recommended maximum lift-off weight for the
engines used, or I will use engines recommended
by the manufacturer for my model rocket. - StabilityI will check the stability of my model
rocket before its first flight, except when
launching a model rocket of already proven
stability
626.PayloadsExcept for insects, my model rocket
will never carry live animals or a payload that
is intended to be flammable, explosive, or
harmful. 7.Launch SiteI will launch my model
rocket outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall
trees, power lines, buildings, and dry brush and
grass. My launch site will be at least as large
as that recommended in the following table.
LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS
Minimum InstalledTotal Impulse(Newton-seconds) Equivalent Engine Type Site Dimension Site Dimension
Minimum InstalledTotal Impulse(Newton-seconds) Equivalent Engine Type (feet) (meters)
0.00 1.25 1/4A 1/2A 50 15
1.26 2.50 A 100 30
2.51 5.00 B 200 60
5.01 10.00 C 400 120
10.01 20.00 D 500 150
20.01 40.00 E 1000 300
40.01 80.00 F 1000 300
80.01 160.00 G 1000 300
160.01 320.00 2Gs 1500 450
638.LauncherI will launch my model rocket from a
stable launching device that provides rigid
guidance until the model rocket has reached a
speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To
prevent accidental eye injury, I will always
place the launcher so that the end of the rod is
above eye level or I will cap the end of the
launch rod when approaching it. I will cap or
disassemble my launch rod when not in use and I
will never store it in an upright position. My
launcher will have a jet deflector device to
prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the
ground directly. I will always clear the area
around my launch device of brown grass, dry
weeds, and other easy-to-burn materials.
9.Ignition SystemThe system I use to launch my
model rocket will be remotely controlled and
electrically operated. It will contain a
launching switch that will return to off when
released. The system will contain a removable
safety interlock in series with the launch
switch. All persons will remain at least 15 feet
(5 meters) from the model rocket when I am
igniting model rocket engines totaling 30
Newton-seconds or less of total impulse and at
least 30 feet (9 meters) from the model rocket
when I am igniting model rocket engines totaling
more than 30 Newton-seconds of total impulse. I
will use only electrical igniters recommended by
the engine manufacturer that will ignite model
rocket engine(s) within one second of actuation
of the launching switch.
6410.Launch SafetyI will ensure that people in the
launch area are aware of the pending model rocket
launch and can see the model rockets liftoff
before I begin my audible five-second countdown.
I will not launch a model rocket using it as a
weapon. If my model rocket suffers a misfire, I
will not allow anyone to approach it or the
launcher until I have made certain that the
safety interlock has been removed or that the
battery has been disconnected from the ignition
system. I will wait one minute (60 sec) after a
misfire before allowing anyone to approach the
launcher. 11.Flying ConditionsI will launch my
model rocket only when the wind is less than 20
miles (30 kilometers) an hour. I will not launch
my model rocket so it flies into clouds, near
aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is
hazardous to people or property
12.Pre-Launch TestWhen conducting research
activities with unproven model rocket designs or
methods I will, when possible, determine the
reliability of my model rocket by pre-launch
tests. I will conduct the launching of an
unproven design in complete isolation from
persons not participating in the actual
launching.
65 13.Launch AngleMy launch device will be pointed
within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use
model rocket engines to propel any device
horizontally. 14.Recovery HazardsIf a model
rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other
dangerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve
it. As a member of the Estes Model Rocketry
Program, I promise to faithfully follow all rules
of safe conduct as established in the above code.
Signature_______________________________________
___ This is the official Model Rocketry Safety
Code of the National Association of Rocketry and
the Model Rocket Manufacturers Association.
Important Note G engines must be sold to and
used by adults (18 and up) only. To launch large
model rockets weighing more than one lb. (453 g)
but no more than 3.3 lbs. (1500 g) including
propellant or rockets containing more than 4 oz.
(113 g) but no more than 4.4 oz. (125 g) of
propellant (net weight), you must notify and
perhaps obtain authorization from the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA). Check your
telephone directory for the FAA office nearest
you or contact Estes Industries for further
information.
66National Association of Rocketry Model Rocket
Safety Code
67Model Rocket Safety Code 1. Materials. I
will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for
the nose, body, and fins of my rocket.
2. Motors. I will use
only certified, commercially-made model rocket
motors, and will not tamper with these
motors or use them for any purposes except those
recommended by the manufacturer. 3.
Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an
electrical launch system and electrical
motor igniters. My launch system will have a
safety interlock in series with the launch
switch, and will use a launch switch that returns
to the off position when released. 4.
Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I
press the button of my electrical launch
system, I will remove the launcher's safety
interlock or disconnect its battery, and
will wait 60 seconds after the last launch
attempt before allowing anyone to approach
the rocket. 5. Launch Safety. I will use a
countdown before launch, and will ensure that
everyone is paying attention and is a safe
distance of at least 15 feet away when I
launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30
feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am
uncertain about the safety or stability of an
untested rocket, I will check the
stability before flight and will fly it only
after warning spectators and clearing them
away to a safe distance.
68 6. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a
launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed
to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure
that the rocket flies nearly straight up,
and I will use a blast deflector to prevent the
motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To
prevent accidental eye injury, I will place
launchers so that the end of the launch rod is
above eye level or will cap the end of the
rod when it is not in use. 7. Size. My model
rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53
ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more
than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant
or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total
impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than
one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has more than
four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I
will check and comply with Federal Aviation
Administration regulations before flying. 8.
Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at
targets, into clouds, or near airplanes,
and will not put any flammable or explosive
payload in my rocket. 9. Launch Site. I
will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area
at least as large as shown in the
accompanying table, and in safe weather
conditions with wind speeds no greater than
20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there
is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that
the launch site does not present risk of
grass fires.
69 10. Recovery System. I will use a recovery
system such as a streamer or parachute in
my rocket so that it returns safely and undamaged
and can be flown again, and I will use
only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery
system wadding in my rocket. 11. Recovery
Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket
from power lines, tall trees, or other
dangerous places.
LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS
Installed Total Impulse (N-sec) Equivalent Motor Type Minimum Site Dimensions (ft.)
0.00--1.25 1/4A, 1/2A 50
1.26--2.50 A 100
2.51--5.00 B 200
5.01--10.00 C 400
10.01--20.00 D 500
20.01--40.00 E 1,000
40.01--80.00 F 1,000
80.01--160.00 G 1,000
160.01--320.00 Two Gs 1,500
Revision of February, 2001
70Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- Tripoli Safety Code - August 1, 1987
71Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- 1. ROCKET MOTORS 1.1 Tripoli members will use
commercially manufactured motors that have met
Tripoli's Motor Listing Committee's requirements
for performance and fitness for rocket
propulsion, and listed as such on the Recommended
Motor List. - 1.2 An Advanced Rocket Motor will be electrically
ignited as the manufacturer suggests using
ignition materials supplied or approved by the
manufacturer. - 1.3 Advanced Rocket Motors will not be altered or
modified to change their thrust performance, nor
will they be reloaded once spent. - 1.4 Commercially Manufactured custom designed or
new experimental motors may be used without being
listed on the Recommended Motor List provided the
manufacturer supplies proof of satisfactory
static tests. - 2 ADVANCED ROCKET VEHICLES
- 2.1 Advanced Rockets will be built as light as is
reasonable for the intended purpose of the
rocket. The use of metal will not be permitted in
the nose cone, airframe, motor mount, or fins of
an Advanced Rocket. - 2.2 An Advanced Rocket will have a suitable means
for providing stabilizing and restoring forces
necessary to maintain a substantially true and
predictable upward flight path. - 2.3 An Advanced Rocket shall be constructed so as
to be capable of more than one flight. It will be
provided with a means of slow and safe descent.
If a rocket is to descend in more than one part,
then the parts should conform to this code
requirement.
72Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- 2.4 Any equipment, devices, or material which
relies upon flammable, smoldering, or otherwise
combustible substances, which is not a motor,
shall be designed, built, and implemented, or
otherwise used in a manner which will minimize
the possibility to cause a fire after launch. - 3. LAUNCH PLATFORMS AND IGNITION SYSTEMS
- 3.1 A launching device, or mechanism, must be
used which is sufficiently rigid and of
sufficient length to guarantee that the rocket
shall be independently stable when it leaves the
device. This launching device shall be
sufficiently stable on the ground to prevent
significant shifts from the planned launch angle,
or the accidental triggering of any first-motion
ignition devices. - 3.2 The launch pad, or device, shall have a blast
deflector sufficient to prevent damage, or fire
hazard, to surrounding equipment, the launch pad,
or the surrounding area. - 3.3 A launch angle of less than 30 degrees from
vertical must be used when flying Advanced
Rockets. - 3.4 Any and all ignition systems on Advanced
Rockets must be remotely activated electrically.
73Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- 3.5 The launch of any rocket must be completely
under the control of the person launching it.
When flying alone, the individual person is
responsible for range safety, and launch control
safety. When flying at a non-Tripoli sponsored
meet it is recommended that a Range Safety
Officer (RSO), in control of the launch range be
present. The RSO will turn over control of the
launch, for the duration of the countdown to the
designated Launch Control Officer (LCO) when the
launching range is deemed safe to launch. When
flying at a Tripoli sponsored meet, a Tripoli
approved RSO must be present in addition to the
LCO. - 3.6 Minimum requirements for a Tripoli approved
RSO are (a) Confirmed Tripoli membership in good
standing, (b) Advanced Rocketry experience
similar or equal to that expected at a particular
launch, and (c) Satisfactory completion of
Tripoli's RSO Training Program, or equivalent. - 3.7 The launch system firing circuit must return
to the off position when released if a mechanical
launch system is used or reset if an electronic
launch system is used. A permissive circuit
controlled by the RSO at all times, and capable
of releasing the firing circuit is advisable. - 3.8 Excessive lengths of fuse, or complex
pyrotechnic ignition arrangements should be
avoided. The simplest and most direct ignition
trains are encouraged to promote range safety. - 3.9 Igniters should be installed at the last
practical moment, and once installed, electrical
igniter wires should be shorted and/or
pyrotechnical systems mechanically protected to
prevent premature ignition from EMI or heat
sources.
74Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- 3.10 When flat blast plates are used on a launch
pad, a stand- off will be used to keep the
nozzles of the motors a minimum distance from the
blast plate of one body diameter. -
- 4. FLYING FIELDS AND CONDITIONS
- 4.1 All launches of Advanced Rocket vehicles must
be conducted in compliance with Federal, State,
and Local law. - 4.2 Rocket flights must be made only when weather
conditions permit the average person to visually
observe the entire flight of the rocket from
lift-off to the deployment of it's recovery
system. No Advanced Rockets will be launched when
winds exceed 20 miles per hour. - 4.3 No Advanced Rocket shall contain an explosive
warhead, nor will they be launched at targets on
the ground. - 4.4 An Advanced Rocket flying field must be
equipped with an appropriately rated fire
extinguishing device. Each launch pad must have a
five gallon container filled with water within 10
feet of the pad. A well stocked first aid kit,
and a person, or persons, familiar with their use
must be present. - 4.5 Advanced Rockets shall be launched from a
clear area, free of any easy to burn materials,
and away from buildings, power lines, tall trees,
or flying aircraft. The flying field must be of
sufficient size to permit recovery of a given
rocket within its confines.
75Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- 4.6 At no time shall recovery of an Advanced
Rocket vehicle from power lines or other
dangerous places be attempted. Any rocket that
becomes entangled in a utility line (power,
phone, etc.) is a hazard to the utility line and
untrained persons who may be attracted to it. The
owner of the vehicle will make every effort to
contact the proper utility company and have their
trained personnel remove it. - 4.7 No Advanced Rockets shall be hand caught
during descent. - 4.8 All persons in the vicinity of any launches
must be advised that a launching is imminent
before a rocket may be ignited and launched. A
minimum five second countdown must be given
immediately prior to ignition and launch of a
rocket. - 4.9 All launch pads will not be located within
1,500 feet of any permanent structures. A
spectator line will be established parallel with
the launch controller's table. No vehicles will
be parked within 50 feet of the spectator line.
Launch pads for class B motors will be no less
than 150 feet from the spectator line. Launch
pads for motors exceeding J class, or clusters of
G, H, and/or I's shall be set 200 feet from the
spectator line. - 4.10 No one will be permitted to sit within the
area between the parked vehicle line and the
spectator line, other than the RSO, LCO, and
designated assistant(s) at the launch control
table.
76Tripoli Safety Code for Advanced Rocketry
- 4.11 No one will be permitted in the launch area
between the LCO table and the launch pads except
vehicle crew for prepping purposes. Crew
photographers or event photographers permitted in
the launch area will maintain a distance of 75
feet from the launch pad. - 4.12 All rockets to be launched must be presented
to the RSO for inspection, assignment, and logged
into the flight record with the LCO. A copy of
the flight records will be sent to Tripoli
Headquarters for documentation purposes.
77National Fire Safety Protection Association
- Developed and adopted ANSI/NFPA 1122 Code for
Model Rocketry setting standards for the safety
of the activity of model rocketry. To purchase a
copy of NFPA 1122 write or call - NFPAOne Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA
022691-800-344-3555 In addition, many states
have adopted their own model rocketry laws and
regulations.
78Safety Security
- We have provided files for you to read off line
- Model Rocketry Safety Codes
- Estes Industries
- National Association of Rocketry (NAR)
- Tripoli Safety Code (High Power Rockets)
- NAR Range Safety Officer Training
- Safety Laws (Federal State)
- Federal Aviation Agency Federal Aviation
Regulations, Part 101 - National Fire Safety Protection Association
- Range Safety Real Estate (Use only this
information!) - Security (Homeland Security)
- It Should Be Obvious
- Note also that closely related material is found
in the Rocket Day Organization file - Key things to remember
- Notify the FAA at least 24 hours in advance of
launching - Rehearsal is the key to safe flight operations
79Homeland Security Act and Model Rocketry
The Homeland Security Act includes the "Safe
Explosives Act" which has placed even more
responsibility on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco
and Firearms in an effort to keep explosives out
of the hands of terrorists. As would be expected
there are now more explosives regulations.
However, some of the information that has been
provided to and reported by the media has several
issues confused. Visit http//www.atf.treas.gov/ex
plarson/safexpact/modelrockets.htm to obtain
accurate information with regard to the ATF and
model rocketry. UPS, FedEx and other carriers
continue to carry model rocket engines (model
rocket motors that contain no more than 62.5
grams of propellant per device) that are properly
packaged, marked, labeled and documented in
accordance with the regulations of the U.S.
Department of Transportation (49 CFR). The same
is true with regard to the United States Postal
Service for Toy Propellant Devices (Model Rocket
Motors and Igniters that are pre-approved for
mailing by the USPS) that contain no more than 30
grams of propellant per device.
80It Should Be Obvious, But
- The experience-based rules are
- Everyone should stand at least (15 feet for
Motors D size, or smaller) or (30 feet for
Motors E size or larger) away from the launcher
before starting the countdown - Dont pick up a freshly fired rocket
motortheyre very hot, and they will burn you.
Remember they can burn other things also - Dont ignite a rocket while holding it in your
handthe fumes are very stinky, and if you drop
it, Heaven knows where itll go - If your rocket comes down in power lines, tall
buildings, etc. and becomes tangled there, buy a
new one - Never launch your rocket toward a low blue-black
cloudlightning could follow the exhaust plume
back down to the launch rail, and hence to the
poor dumb sod who just pushed the button - Never attempt to reload a model rocket motor!
81Field Size Needed
82Field Size Needed
Motor Type Code Total Impulse, Newton-sec Max. Altitude, meters Min. Field Size, meters Max. Field Size, meters
¼ A 0 0.625 lt75 15 lt75
½ A 0.625 1.25 lt120 15 lt120
A 1.25 2.50 lt250 30 lt250
B 2.51 5.00 lt400 60 lt400
C 5.01 10.00 lt600 120 lt600
D 10.01 20.00 lt700 150 lt700
E 20.01 40.00 lt800 300 lt800
F 40.01 80.00 lt1000 300 lt1000
- Min Field Size is the Estes recommendation
(nominal case) - Max Field size is the greatest distance the
rocket could fly (worst case)
83Field Size Depends on Apogee
Aim Point
d
d
- Considerations are safety ease of recovery
- Field width needed is proportional to apogee
altitude - Higher capture (impact in the green area)
probability implies bigger field - Apogee is predicted for each Estes kit, or can
be estimated knowing motor type
84Model Rocket Competitions
85Altitude Competition
- No, this isnt about seeing whose rocket can go
higher - Bigger rocket motors (brute force) will always
dominate this kind of competition - But, one can define a variation on this Its a
class competition in which all competitors build
from a common kit design, and compete for the
highest apogee altitude - Significant factors will be
- Surface finish (drag)
- Best rocket weight
- Most nearly vertical trajectory
- Coming closest to predicted apogee altitude is a
favorite competition - Metric used is (predicted apogee
measured apogee) -
predicted apogee
- Careful testing and adjustment is the most
significant factor - For more ideas, see Model Rocket Contest Guide
by Robert L. Cannon, Estes Catalog No. 2815 -