Our automated rocket engine welder had its first integrated run with the automatic wire feeder and the results look promising! 🚀Scott is wrestling his own software into compliance now, and then it's down to fine-tuning all of the parameters for production.
Lots of work going on to get our test infrastructure ready for the BPM-25 rocket engine static fire! 🚀 ✅Making pressure sensors for the water flow test stand.✅Machining Teflon spacers for propellant tank fluid level sensors.✅Machining filters for propellant tanks & more!
To make our BPM-25 rocket engine welds reliable and repeatable, our DIY CNC welder has to be finely tuned to balance the rotation speed of the engine, the horizontal position of the TIG torch, its power and wire feed rate. We are pleased with the first integrated tests, though!
TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro00:24 - Why this is a rocket02:03 - A tour of the test container05:24 - Sneak peek at the thrust structure06:44 - New features08:01 - Options for pressurization systems08:44 - Testing09:25 - Next steps and quick updates11:11 - Outro
Work on the piping for the Spica rocket engine test stand is progressing well. The test stand's tanks are actually temporarily repurposed from Spica I, meaning they will have undergone numerous burn sequences before the actual flight 🚀
Three load sensors are mounted and ready for the BPM-25 test stand!This setup will measure the forces of our rocket engines, with the stand’s debut planned for Q1 2025.But before BPM-25, there’s a new number to know: 17. More on that soon… 👀
These diffusers control nitrogen flow into the propellant tanks, preventing high-speed jets that could cause bubbles in fuel or disrupt the cold nitrogen layer on LOX. The layer keeps LOX cold, so the diffusers ensure stable pressurization and safe, efficient rocket performance.
QuoteThese diffusers control nitrogen flow into the propellant tanks, preventing high-speed jets that could cause bubbles in fuel or disrupt the cold nitrogen layer on LOX. The layer keeps LOX cold, so the diffusers ensure stable pressurization and safe, efficient rocket performance.
Progress on our rocket engine test stand:✅Blast plate installed✅Engine mount fit-check performedThe mount still misses 3 load cells, an engine base plate and a coat of paint. Its downward angle minimizes propellant pooling in the combustion chamber and risk of a hard-start.
We’re building bigger rocket hardware than ever, so space is getting tight!Here, our forklift maneuvers the tank section of our rocket engine test stand, squeezing through a space that shrinks by the day. A good problem to have when you're busy working on DIY spaceflight!
Testing the Test Stand Before firing up our engines, we need to ensure our test stand is solid, so we're first building and testing a simpler engine: BPM-17. Here, it takes shape on our DIY welding machine! It took ages to set up but now it produces precise, repeatable welds 🔥
One of the last components for the test stand for the upcoming rocket engine! The electronics box will be the brain, controlling all functions during engine tests. From valve operations to sensor monitoring, it will ensure everything runs smoothly when we test the BPM-25 engine
The BPM-17 injector is almost ready. This is a key component for the engine we’re building to dial in the test stand before testing the actual engines for Spica, our crew capable rocket 🚀
Test? Test. TEST! We're machining the BPM-17 fuel inlet to test the test stand that will test the BPM-25 engine. That’s a lot of test. 😅But it has to be—because one day, a real human will ride our rocket. And we want that person to be… re-usable. 🧍♂️🚀
The Silence Is About to EndThe next engine test from Copenhagen Suborbitals is right around the corner. BPM-17 is nearly ready to roar, paving the way for the mighty BPM-25.Peek behind the curtain and get the full update in our latest blog post:https://bit.ly/4cDEUl9
