The big chunks...

Trying to do a minimalist amateur sputnik....
We need to build a vehicle light enough with a good enough performance to get to orbit.
We need to make sure we can make it go in the desired direction.
We need to involve the regulatory agency so we can do this legally.

How do these three base requirments break out into bigger tasks...

0)Conceptual Design...
Done:
 Spread sheet and simple performance model says 4" diameter 16" long OTRAG tube rocket can get to orbit.


1)High mass ratio Air frame...
Done:

• I have tested representative tanks with the required  mass ratio.

In process:

• I have one full size sample, I still have to test that.

To do:

• Finish Detail design of Full Airframe.
• Static test one full tube with fill drain, gimbal etc...
• Build Cluster.

2)Motors...
Done:

• Designed Motor and had it 3D printed in Aluminum.

In Process:

•   Finishing hte machined parts to go with the motor, adding cat pack and instrumentaion
•   Using old Test Stand from 2011

To Do:

•  Test Motor and refine design, iterate
• Design and test high expansion ration version.

3)Good high quality vehicle simulation for performance optimization and HIL testing.

Done:

 Selected Simulator (JBS Sim) and contracted to have a good initial model built.

In Process:

    Waiting initial model and simulation form person contracted to do the work

To Do:

   Optimize and evolve to full HIL simulator...

4)Build and Code Avionics:

Done:

 Pick an archetecture (I think 75% confidence) we will use one of the tiny  pixhawk  clones for avionics.

In Process:

  Find a light weight GPS that will work without co-com limits at high acceleration.

 We have flown Piksi on a HPR twice continue to work on that aspect.

To Do:

   Design the full code set and test in HIL

 

5)Build and test GSE..

Done:

 Conceptual GSE concept that minimizes weight on the airframe.

Uses single "Tube" to fill and pressurize remotely.

InProcess:

ToDo:

 Design airframe QD and ground GSE.

Test Concepts via static tests...

6)Regulatory:

Done Regulatory concept...

• Will do inital testing at FAR up to 50Kft.
• Then will do suborbital flights offshore.
• When time to go over 200K lb/sec or to orbit:
•      First stage constrained by physics from hitting anything.
•      2,3,4th stages made of low temperature tolerant composites, so incapable of high speed flight in the atmosphere.

In Process:

To Do:

    Start discussion with FAA for orbital licensing requirements.