Our rocket is set to achieve the highest altitude and thrust of any student-built rocket
• The first liquid-propellant rocket created and launched by high-schoolers.
• The first high-school-built rocket to reach space.
• The highest altitude of any student-built (includes high-schools and universities) rocket.
• The highest thrust of any student-built rocket.
• The largest student-built rocket.
Height: 7.44 m / 24.4 ft
Diameter: 30.48 cm / 12 in
Propellant Choice: RP1 / LOX
Wet Mass: 583 kg / 1286 lbs
Dry Mass: 292 kg / 644 lbs
Altitude: 149.9 km / 492000 ft
Velocity: 5616 kph / 3490 mph
Specific Impulse: 300 sec
Burn Time: 51.5 sec
Peak Thrust: 24089 N
Total Impulse: 865865 N⋅s
Peak Mass Flow Rate: 8 kg/s
We formed our group, recruited new members, and begun holding meetings. Since the basic rocket design had been completed by our CEO prior to our group forming, our first step as a group was to begin research on the descent of the rocket and use this to determine the various stresses it will encounter and their magnitudes.
We completed a basic design of our recovery system. This encapsulated the programming of a simulation to predict the rocket's behavior upon descent, which was used to figure out what specific parachutes are needed and how many.
We coded a simulation of the rocket's ascent to finalize the specifications. In addition, we completely finalized the engine design. Further, we have also began the sale of our crewneck sweatshirts.
With the completion of the engine 3D print file, we have begun the process of designing the engine test stand. Also, we have officialy formed our business, incorporating in the state of Illinois. This website was released.
The design of the engine test stand is finalized to prepare for initial manufacturing in January. Funds are raised via apparell and donations. Materials and other required items are purchased.
Manufacturing of the engine test stand begins, with the frame being built first, and tanks and pipes are incorporated as well as tested.
The manufacturing of the engine test stand continues, with sensors and electronics incorporated as well as tested.
The test stand is finally used in an engine test which brings many issues to light, preparing us to fix them. Ideally, we achieve the target thrust of 24089 N.
The engine test outlines issues, which are subsequently fixed and retested. Initial manufacturing on the rocket begins, with the external structure being built first.
Manufacturing on rocket continues, and its subsystems (propellant tanks, wiring, parachutes) are tested.
If we remain on schedule, we will launch our rocket from the Mojave Desert, CA during the first couple weeks of June.