Launch Systems
NASRA have a variety of launching systems including standard kit based
launch
pads, custom built 'heavy' pads to cope with large rockets, free-standing
and experimental (such as hand held) systems. Initially, NASRA used a
standard Estes kit launcher. Although this was sufficiant for C/D and
two stage engines as well some early cluster experiments, it was not
going to be big enough for our more recent 'heavy' cluster launches. Our
first new-generation inline cluster rocket, the three-engine test rocket,
was free-standing upon it's three fins and the later MicroScud and pMan
have been launched from DAJPL's Oppenheimer I heavy pad.
Single-engine rockets have always been fired by electronic ignition,
using an Estes ignitor and plug direct into the engine. Power was
provided usually by a heavy duty 6V battery. The first flight of the three
engine rocket was made using direct electronic ignition from a 12V car
battery. For the larger launches (12+ engines), electronic ignition was
deemed to be inappropriate owing to NASRA's observed ignitor failure rate
of 1/5.2. Following consultation with actual experts (thanks Pete), and
having had little luck with our earlier Quick Match experiments, NASRA's
Non-Standard Design department was commissioned to cannibalise the Quick
Match to make flash powder. The Oppenheimer I pad was designed to house a
flash pan, and this was electronically ignited. Launch with the flash pan
systems has been successful for both the MicroScud and pMan, as well as a
launch of the three engined rocket using flash for ignition.
Work on launch systems continues, and the planned Oppenheimer II pad will
encompase dynamic alignment, fire supression and staged pad
control. NASRA's Non-Standard Design department have also successfully
used their 'Jolly Jihad' man-mounted launching system for a single D
projectile.
Support Services
NASRA's support departments provide facilities such as on-site catering
utilising cutting edge flask and teabag technologies. Other NASRA support
services include the NASRA Data Systems Division who
provide core IS services and data provision for all of NASRA.
On-pad imagary and flight imagary (using for example the Estes camera
nosecone) are handled by a variety of departments. Launches are usually
recorded by Sony and Trust DV devices as well as a multitude of digital
and traditional 35mm cameras.
Analysis Systems
Modelling and analysis systems have been developed by DAJPL and are
processed by NASRA FDS. Data is then taken by NASRA FDS and input into the
NASRIS system, hosted by NASRA DSD. Further information on Analysis
techniques used are available on the NASRA
Flight Data Systems site.
