Can we launch a rocket in to space?
Many enthusiasts of this hobby are always wondering if amateur rockets can reach space. The answer is very simple, yes we can. If you are to go on google and search this, you will come across many videos in which this was the case. Some folks used balloons to get there, others rode a balloon to the edge of space. Regardless of the method, one can find many videos.
You can add enough propulsion to just about anything to make it fly. Now, how it flies is a different story.
Our current idea on how to get there
Although this amateur rocketry and RC team is fairly new, one can say that our thirst to make it to outer space has never subsided. There are still several variables that need to be honed in before being able to reach space; and even if we make it, what really are the odds of us ever getting the rocket back.
Things needed to develop:
Gyroscopic system – This system helps keep the fins properly guiding the rocket for the length of the trajectory as well as the fall back to earth.
Servo integration – This helps guide the rocket along its pre-ordained trajectory to space. In order to be able to successfully develop this system, it will have to be an autopilot type of system as the ones used on planes.
Payload capacity – Making it to space is great, but actually putting up your useful payload is even better. Every rocketeers dream.
Developmental consistency – each part needs to be manufactured to not only tolerate the forces it will encounter, but also needs to be precise enough to provide repeatable results.
Calculations for each second of flight – This is a very important variable as there are many factors that can make this one not work out well. Without proper math we will never reach space.
Radiation tolerant materials – One of the biggest challenges in space is what happens to the materials when exposed to large sums of radiation. This is of course assuming we have made it there. Radiation is a serious side effect of the space environment.
Please understand that it is not impossible as it is very possible to accomplish with enough time and money; both of which we do not possess. however, we do believe that development of the ancilliary processes will make this journey and its development a much easier reality.
In order to test out our aforementioned systems we have used a V2 replica model rocket that we have modifed. The following modifications have been implemented.
- 2 Estes V2 rockets modeled after the German V2 rocket that rained over London in WWII.
- V2 Rocket has been made longer to fit computers and testing of different size systems.
- Fiber-glassed the rocket to ensure airfoil strength. (thick built for durability for testing)
- Added cost effective divider insulation to act as a heat shield.
- Engines for initial testing will be no lower than EXX-X type.
- Designed mount for custom built fuel (to be implemented after systems development)
- Developed replacement parts. Parts must be easy to manufacture with precision.
The initial development and design.
Body tube for the rocket and fins have been fiber-glassed with 3 layers. This should be strong enough to conduct ancilliary systems testing of the aforementioned systems. But also strong enough to provide durability during the testing and development of in-flight system.
Our V2 testing system will be heavy, and this will be due to us wanting to get this rocket back to be able to download the data off it for development.