UCI Rocket Project subteam updates for Nov 1 – Nov 8
See what the team has been doing as midterm season begins to pass!
Avionics Subteam
Update By: Brennden LaGreek
The Avionics team has continued their great work on their projects, putting the finishing touches on everything for the upcoming Lucerne launch. Work is almost done on several sensors for the Solids rockets, including creating better methods to get GPS and flight data. The groundstation is nearing completion, allowing for more efficient and easier data acquisition. In addition to the ground station, flow simulation software is being developed for the main propulsion system, making checks faster and more efficient. Overall, avionics has made great progress as always, with much more to come in the future!
Launch Vehicles Subteam
Update By: Michael Ross
While much time was spent on midterms, the Launch Vehicles team worked on various other tasks as they waited for parts of the VTF Mount to be shipped. With fins hoping to test soon, some fine refinements were made to the 4 oz. prototype created last week. As they wait to hear back about testing, the skins members created various skin tabs to be used when testing takes place. The Launch Vehicles team also largely focused on preparations for the rocket rack build, with much organization taking place in order to efficiently work once parts arrive. The team anxiously awaits the arrival of these parts so assembly of the VTFM can get underway!
Propulsion Subteam
Update By: Thomas Westenhofer
Solids Subteam
Update By: Ryan Chu & Kenny Tsing
The Solids Team’s individual rocket designs are underway. Although not applicable to the team’s single motor rockets, the team explored clustered and staged rockets this week as an ode to Falcon 9, Atlas Rockets, Saturn V, and various others that might inspire more innovative designs. While some were troubleshooting in OpenRocket, some Solids members who had designed and manufactured rockets last year that were never able to launch due to Covid, prepped their rockets for the upcoming launch next week at Lucerne Valley. For those fortunate few, it was time for sanding, epoxy, and more sanding.
