Overview of the University of Colorado at Boulder Hybrid Sounding Rocket Project

Abstract

Sciences is developing a hybrid sounding rocket platform that carries scientific payloads for increased access to a microgravity environment and to kick-start an educational rocket program at the university. This paper gives an introduction and overview of the program, including the program goals and flight-weight prototype system design. An overview is given on the manufacture of the 1400 lbf (at altitude) prototype motor, and system testing. In addition, the results of recent vertical static test fire attempts are discussed, along with the preliminary goals of subsequent semesters of the project. NomenclatureCO 2 = Carbon Dioxide CFT = Cold Flow Test = Pressure = Temperature COPV = Composite-Overwrapped Pressure Vessel EPR = Electronics and Payload Recovery GSE = Ground Support Equipment HTPB = Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutediene = Mach number = Ratio of specific heats = Universal gas constant = Thrust HySoR = the Hybrid Sounding Rocket project N 2 O = Nitrous Oxide STF = Static Test Fire TPS = Thermal Protection System ̇ = Mass flow rate = Area = Velocity = Specific impulse