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DLR STERN - STudent Experimental Rockets program
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 08 Jan, 2016 21:49
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German DLR has a student rocket program named STERN. Student teams have three years time to develop their rocket that flies higher than 5km (16400ft). The student get the opportunity to launch their rocket from (SSC) Esrange, Sweden. More about STERN on the site of DLR
1 2,
MoBaRa and
Facebook Last October the first three university teams got their flight opportunity; DLR released a
report and a
.
TU Berlin launched two times the upper-stages of their DeCan (Deuche Cansat Hohenrakete | German Cansat Soundingrocket). Both rockets flew successfully to an altitude slightly higher than 5km.
ERIG from TU Braunschweig launched there hybrid engine powered Faust. Also this launch was successful.
HyEnD from TU Studtgart launched there HEROS rocket, a 10kN (2248lbs) N2O-Paraffin hybrid rocket that should have reached 20km (65600ft). Unfortunately their engine suffered a failure.
Next April the second flight opportunity takes place, again three teams will get a flight opportunity.
AquaSonic (HS Bremen) states on their website that their rocket will launch this opportunity.
I could not figure out with other teams will launch their rocket. I have found four other universities that are developing a rocket for the STERN program.
WARR (TU Munchen) aims to reach 15km (49200ft) with their WARR-Ex 3 rocket.
HyComet (HS Augsburg) is developing HyCOMET 1 powered by HyER 1K (a N2O PE 1kN (225lbs) hybrid rocket).
TU Dresden is developing Smart 1 powered by Ethanol-LOx 500N Elbe engine
And
ZARM (UNi Bremen) is developing ZEpHyR, with a 2kN Hybrid LOx-Parafin rocket it should reach 20km.
In October 2016 is another flight opportunity for two teams. And the SSC launch schedule also shows flight opportunities for three teams in Oktober 2017, 2018 and 2019.
News about the progress these student teams make and discussion about these systems can be posted in this topic.
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#1
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 25 Jan, 2016 11:21
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On the facebook page a link was posted to DLR's 4th Issue 2015 of the Countdown Newsletter. Page 32 to 37 contain an article about the 2015 STERN launch opportunity. link to the
newsletter I also was funny to find out my post was quoted from on
this site.
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#2
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 23 Feb, 2016 12:43
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HyEnD released their video compilation of their HEROS hybrid sounding rocket launch, that unfortunately failed last October. It really was a beauty.
Also the link to their facebook page.
HyEnD Facebook
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#3
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 24 Feb, 2016 07:43
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The Wednesday, 21 October 2015 report from the link below says "The review and the countdown were successfully and the release it was given us for our launch attempt on Thursday." That makes a launch date of 22 October. From the video, launch time was 14:45:00 UTC.
http://www.hybrid-engine-development.de/
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#4
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 01 Mar, 2016 20:38
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A
video from TU Berlin about the two succesful launches of the Decan Shark was posted on the STERN Facebook page.
I also found this
presentation from TU Dresden (Smart rocket) about STERN
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#5
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 02 Mar, 2016 05:15
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#6
by
Notaris
on 05 Apr, 2016 15:03
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AquaSonic of Hochschule Bremen and ZEpHyR of Uni Bremen (ZARM) are at ESRANGE being prepared by the respective teams for their launch at the end of this week / beginning of next week.
Updates likely to be posted on the
STERN Facebook page
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#7
by
savuporo
on 06 Apr, 2016 05:12
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#8
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 07 Apr, 2016 13:49
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Tomorrow the first launch attempts of STERN 2016/1 are planned. Two rockets are being prepared by two different teams. The FRR (Flight Readiness Review) for AquaSonic is planned for 8:15 LT (Local Time UTC+2).
The launches are streamed live on
SSC page and
First up is
Aquasonic form Hochschule Bremen, with their Aquasonic rocket. It is 5m long, weight 76kg and is powered by a pressure-fed 2,5kN N2O-PE hybrid rocket engine. It is supposed to reach an altitude of 6,2km and have a flight time of 332seconds.
The second team is
ZARM (from TU Bremen) with their Zephyr rocket. Zephyr should reach a 20km altitude with a 5kg payload. It is powered by a pressure-fed 2kN LOx-Paraffin Hybrid rocket engine.
I wish both teams good luck and a learning-full experience.
PS. In the beginning of may the French Perseus project SARA 2 Rocket will launch from Esrange
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#9
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 08 Apr, 2016 09:11
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If all goes to plan, Aquasonic will launch over 1:50. (UTC+2 LT 13:00; UTC 11:00)
edit:
Not all went to plan. They got to T0 at 13:10, but did not take off. Some smoke could be seen coming from the launch pad. I couldn't find what happened, but to me it looked like the ignition went wrong.
At 14:45 they have a meting. (al times at LT; UTC+2)
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#10
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 08 Apr, 2016 12:24
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Youtube video from ZARM, also on ZARM and STERN facebook pages.
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#11
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 09 Apr, 2016 17:29
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On the
STERN facebook page are picturures and a short discription of AquaSonic first launch attempt.
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#12
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 12 Apr, 2016 11:14
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Zarm ZEpHyR should have launched today, but the countdown was stoped because the wind was to strong.
Source STERN Facebook.
Countdown will resume tomorrow LT (UTC+2) 4:00. (from the SSC / Youtube live feed.)
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#13
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 15 Apr, 2016 09:58
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AquaSonic had a successful launch Thursday 14-April 2016: 06:00:02 LT (UTC+2) from Esrange Space Center MRL launcher. There are two video's on the facebook page of
Aquasonic, and the video is shared on the STERN facebook page.
AquaSonic has packed their equipment for transport back to Bremen.
Unfortunately the AQUASONIC rocket has not been recovered jet.
ZARM with their ZEpHyR are still waiting for their third launch attempt. They don't have operations today (Friday).
Both the first and second launch attempts were aborted because of to strong winds. I don't know why they didn't have a launch attempt yesterday (Thursday).
Update: On the live stream the schedule writes: ZEpHyR CD (countdown starts) on Saturday 09:00 LT (UTC+2)
Most likely the French Perseus team arrives next week to launch their SERA 2 rocket. Their first launch attempt is planned for April 27th. Their live stream is already available. (I won't post it here)
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#14
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 24 Apr, 2016 14:30
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ZEpHyR had their launch April the 16th.
Launch and recovery were successful.
Unfortunately they only reached 1,5km altitude.
Report can be read
here (german)
SSC placed an report on the whole STERN 2016-1 launch compain.
here
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#15
by
catdlr
on 15 Aug, 2016 22:26
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HyEnD - HyRES Hybrid Rocket Engine Test 16
rocketman0815
Published on Aug 15, 2016
Test 16 of our 10000 N Hybrid Rocket Engine "HyRES". This was done with the configuration and conditions during our launch in October 2015. As we expected from theory, the combustion is clearly unstable under these conditions and we modified these conditions for the next test 17, which shows excellently stable behavior.
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#16
by
catdlr
on 16 Aug, 2016 03:47
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HyEnD - HyRES Hybrid Rocket Engine Test 17rocketman0815
Published on Aug 15, 2016
Slightly improved version of our 10000 N Hybrid Rocket Engine "HyRES". Compared to last year, we increased the combustion effficiency even further and also the combustion is more stable.
Test 17 with 15 seconds burn time at full thrust. Propellants are Nitrous oxide and paraffin fuel.
Built with funding from the German STERN Program from the DLR. Test site M11.5 provided from DLR Lampoldshausen. To be launched on the sounding rocket HEROS 2 from Esrange, Sweden.
HyEnD - Hybrid Engine Development:
http://www.hybrid-engine-development.de/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFEZ26gBhnE?t=001
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#17
by
catdlr
on 28 Oct, 2016 04:09
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HyEnD HEROS Launch Campaign 2016 - Launcher Elevation Test
rocketman0815
Published on Oct 27, 2016
HyEnD HEROS Sounding Rocket mounted at MRL
Launcher in ESRANGE, Kiruna
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#18
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 30 Oct, 2016 13:47
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On the website of
SSC there is a range safety warning for two Heros launches between 28 Oktober and 9 November. On the
HyEnD facebook page they posted a massage yesterday that the cold countdown test went successful. The launch is planned for Monday or Tuesday depending on the weather at Esrange.
One thing I can't understand. In
DLR Magazin 151 there was a article about STERN 2016-2. The article writes about HyEnD with the second attempt of HEROS, but also about the first attempt for HyCOMET.
Does anyone know what prohibited HyCOMET to execute their launch?
I wish the HyEnD team the best of luck. I hoop they break the European student rocket altitude record. I like a bit of competition between the university teams.
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#19
by
catdlr
on 02 Nov, 2016 03:07
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HyEnD HEROS Launch Campaign 2016 - Lift-off
rocketman0815
Published on Nov 1, 2016
We had a successful countdown and lift-off of our HEROS hybrid sounding rocket from ESRANE Space Center on October 31st, 2016. The white box around the rocket is styrofoam for heat insulation of the rocket. Video data shows a nominal flight at full burn time.
At lift-off we lost our telemetry connection. Further data is still being analyzed.
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#20
by
catdlr
on 04 Nov, 2016 02:39
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HyEnD: Hybrid Sounding Rocket HEROS Launch Campaign 2016 - Launch Teaser
rocketman0815
Published on Nov 3, 2016
Short teaser of our HEROS 2 hybrid sounding rocket flight from ESRANGE Space Center on October 31st, 2016.
The hybrid rocket engine delivers 10 kN of thrust with a paraffin-based fuel and Nitrous Oxide as the oxidizer.
The white box around the rocket is styrofoam for heat insulation of the rocket.
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#21
by
catdlr
on 01 Dec, 2016 05:23
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HyEnD: Hybrid Sounding Rocket HEROS 3 Record Flight Video
rocketman0815
Published on Nov 30, 2016
On Tuesday 8th November 2016, 10:30 LT, -18°C: our Hybrid sounding rocket HEROS 3 rocket was launched from ESRANGE, Kiruna. At almost perfect weather conditions and great visibility it reached an apogee of 32.3 km according to GPS and acceleration data and was successfully recovered with the drogue and main parachute being released. This sets a new record for European student and amateur rocketry. Furthermore, to our knowledge this is also a new altitude world rocket for hybrid rockets built by students. The maximum speed of HEROS 3 was 2600 km/h with a Mach number of 2.3.
The hybrid rocket engine delivers 10 kN of thrust with a paraffin-based fuel and Nitrous Oxide as the oxidizer.
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#22
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 26 Oct, 2017 15:01
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#23
by
catdlr
on 05 Dec, 2017 18:55
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HyEnD - CanSat Launcher First Lift-off
HyEnD - Hybrid Engine Development
Published on Dec 5, 2017
Our CanSat Launcher has been launched successfully on the 15th November of 2017, on a field near the DLR in Lampoldshausen. CanSat and parachutes were deployed flawlessly and the rocket landed softly. It is completely intact and can be launched again using a new motor. The footage was recorded with several ground cameras and a drone.
Weighing 3.2kg, the CSL reached an altitude of approximately 450m. It achieved a maximum velocity of 90m/s, thanks to its solid engine producing a thrust of 250N. During the 83s long flight, the electronics system collected a lot of data, like acceleration and atmospheric pressure. We are are going to evaluate the gathered data in the coming weeks. Simultaneously we will start the development of a new launcher, so stay tuned for future updates!
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#24
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 06 Dec, 2017 11:36
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#25
by
umaurer
on 24 May, 2018 16:32
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I just found this thread and wanted to give an update on WARR.
We tested our full-scale engine last December in Lampoldshausen. A video of the test can be found on our YouTube channel:
With the results of these tests, we are currently working on the flight-version of the engine and the rest of the WARREx3 rocket.
If there are any question, feel free to ask!
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#26
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 24 Oct, 2020 17:40
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So today a group selected for STERN II launched their rocket. (the first launch for STERN II)
Leonis II, initially planned to launch Faust II to 10km; a hybrid rocket, powered by the Hydra 4X, 2.4kN, 15s (35kNs), N2O HTPB, helium pressurized hybrid rocket motor.
They did three test firings of this motor, but decided not use it for STERN II.
Instead they launched Schwerdtlein, powered by a Cesaroni Pro98; 9870M1800-P. They reused the payload and recovery systems developed for Leonis II. In theory could reach 4,8km altitude.
Here a link to the launch announcement form SSC.
https://www.sscspace.com/stern-leonis/The launch took place Saturday 24 October 2020, 13:26:40 UTC.
The other STERN II launch planned for 2020, the
Aquasonic II, form HS Bremen, was delayed until March 2021 because of Covid-19.
There is uncertainty for the other STERN II launches, because they are no longer in the most resent (13 oct) SSC launching program. Hopefully they are being rescheduled.
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#27
by
catdlr
on 18 May, 2021 08:59
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Compass Hybrid Rocket - Static Test FireHybrid Engine Development - HyEnD e.V.
Posted: May 18, 2021
HyEnD has successfully conducted the Static Hot Fire Test of the Compass Demonstrator Rocket. Engine, tank, fluid system and ground support equipment were tested together. The test has shown that remote tanking and launching of the rocket works safely and reliably - we are looking forward to the launch.
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#28
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 01 Jul, 2021 22:23
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#29
by
catdlr
on 23 Aug, 2021 09:05
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Compass Hybrid Rocket Launch - Aftermovie
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#30
by
catdlr
on 13 Sep, 2021 08:46
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HyLIGHT-1 | First Test of 10 kN Hybrid Rocket EngineHyEnD has successfully tested its HyLIGHT 10kN rocket engine for the first time! The test was conducted at the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen.This marks a big milestone in our DLR STERN participation. In the next few months, we will subsequently increase the operation time and efficiency of the engine.
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#31
by
russianhalo117
on 22 Sep, 2021 22:11
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STRATOS IV Launch Campaign trailer:
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#32
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 23 Sep, 2021 05:43
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#33
by
catdlr
on 06 Sep, 2022 14:00
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.....bump
N₂ORTH Hybrid Rocket | Propulsion System Test in Blow Down OperationHyEnD is proud to announce that the N2ORTH propulsion system was successfully qualified in a hot fire test for a propellant throughput of more than 100 kg! This marks an important milestone for the project, as we now have a flight-worthy propulsion system for the launch. During the test, the rocket tank was operated in a blow-down set up together with the fluid system and engine of the rocket. The ground support system of the rocket was used in order to fill the rocket's tank with nitrous oxide and helium. The test included the main operation phase of the engine and also the gas blow down after the depletion of liquid oxidizer, resulting in an overall hot fire duration of more than 50s. In the upcoming weeks, the team will prepare another test with increased propellant mass in order to unlock the full potential of N2ORTH.
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#34
by
catdlr
on 07 Oct, 2022 11:03
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N₂ORTH Rocket | Aiming for new heightsWe are happy to share a small teaser for the upcoming reveal and launch of our rocket N2ORTH! In the last three years, the team worked hard to make this rocket a reality. The rocket now is almost ready to launch, with only a few last tests and the assembly ongoing. The launch from Esrange is planned for the first half of 2023. As for the target altitude, we plan to break our own record for student-built hybrids (32.3 km) but N2ORTH is a lot more capable. The target altitude is still subject to change and will be chosen in accordance to our trajectory simulations, safety regulations at Esrange and weather conditions. Stay tuned for more details!
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#35
by
catdlr
on 15 Dec, 2022 08:00
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N₂ORTH Rocket | Final Propulsion System & Loading Procedure TestDec 14, 2022
HyEnD has successfully conducted its final system test on Thursday, 8th December! The test included the oxidizer loading procedure using the Ground Support Equipment as well as a hot fire with the hybrid engine and rocket’s fluid system components.
During the oxidizer loading procedure, temperatures and pressures were measured across multiple parts of the Ground Support Equipment and 160 L oxidizer tank. We are happy to report that the test showed a high level of precision during the loading procedure, as we were able to precisely set the amount of oxidizer as well as temperature and pressure conditions in the tank.
The hot fire of the propulsion system showed stable and efficient combustion throughout the operation time. With a peak thrust of more than 15 kN and a total impulse of 255 kNs at sea level, we are confident that the propulsion system is capable of pushing N2ORTH to the frontier of space. The in-flight impulse of this configuration will be even higher since effects like flow separation will occur later in the operation time due to lower ambient pressure at higher altitudes. Moreover, the test showed good accordance to the simulation carried out in advance. This is especially important to ensure a safe flight trajectory of the rocket.
As this was our final hot fire within the scope of the STERN 2 project, we would like to thank the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion for their fantastic support during the last years. Since September 2020, more than 60 hot fires were conducted, and we learned a lot! We are now fully focused on the final production and assembly steps and are looking forward to our launch campaign in April 2023.
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#36
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 31 Jan, 2023 19:23
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The HyEnD/ DLR STERN 2 launch campaign is planned to take place between April 11 to 25.
Website article HyEnD with more information.
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#37
by
Fmedici
on 18 Apr, 2023 09:10
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#38
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 19 Apr, 2023 07:29
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Some screen grabs of the launch.
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#39
by
ccdengr
on 19 Apr, 2023 15:22
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Thanks. Have to say they don't spend a lot of effort on the webcast.
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#40
by
catdlr
on 21 Apr, 2023 04:33
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N2ORTH Rocket Launch
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#41
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 21 Apr, 2023 16:53
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Congratulations to this launch of HyEnD N2Orth RT1, and setting the European student rocket altitude record to 64km. Good luck with the second launch next week. With the lower inclination (more vertical) launch, you'll likely break your own record again.
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#42
by
Rik ISS-fan
on 24 Apr, 2023 13:17
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HyEnD also launched the second N
2ORTH rocket today.
HyEnD:
Launch Attempt of 2nd Rocket on Monday!The second N2ORTH rocket has a lighter structural mass and more N2O oxidizer. It is also launched more vertically. So it's likely it will reach a higher altitude.
Liftoff @1.02.40 in this video.
[
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#43
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 Apr, 2023 05:28
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Second launch failed at T+20 seconds.
https://hyend.de/index.php/category/n2orth-launch-campaign/"Yesterday, the 24th of April at 14:10 CEST, we had a successful launch of our second N₂ORTH rocket from Esrange. Unfortunately, the rocket encountered an anomaly which led to a break-up after 20 seconds. Thanks to the telemetry data and the tracking of the rocket, we have a good idea where the rocket components are located, but a recovery has not yet been possible. In consultation with the SSC, we will continue to look for additional ways to complete the recovery to add data to our post-flight analysis."
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#44
by
catdlr
on 17 Jun, 2023 09:54
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#45
by
catdlr
on 29 Jun, 2023 01:53
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N₂ORTH Rocket | Sideward Facing 4K Onboard VideosJun 28, 2023
The video was captured with GoPro HERO 8 action cameras in 4K with 60fps located in the avionics section filming sidewards. The rocket features four of these cameras so that a 360° panorama view is possible. Stay tuned for the results of the post-flight analysis in the coming weeks.
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#46
by
catdlr
on 08 Jul, 2024 14:45
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Part 1/3
A few weeks ago, we manufactured four fuel grains to evaluate a potential new solid propellant. These grains are based on the propellant "TM-78," developed by chemist Dr. Siegfried Oeckl, and have been improved in terms of pourability, safety, and regression for larger sustainer engines. Notable modifications include a higher binder ratio, larger sodium nitrate particle size, and the addition of a flexibilizer to prevent propellant cracking. Each grain is composed of 500 grams of the new TM-78HP propellant and will be tested in a small characterization motor at the MPA (Materials Testing Institute) of the University of Stuttgart. Stay tuned for part 2🔥
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KFIshkOCaPoPart 2:
This small solid rocket motor is used to characterize new solid propellants. Using the measured pressure of multiple burns with different throat sizes, one can determine the a and n parameters and thus the regression rate.
The assembly starts by mounting the nozzle flange on the casing. Afterwards the nozzle assembly and propellant grain are inserted. Next, the pertinax bulkhead and ignitor can be placed, special attention is given to the cable as it has to be shorted at all times. Lastly the assembly is finished by screwing on the bulkhead.
This assembly, except for the fuel grain can be reused at least two times, some parts more than 10 times. This allows for quick and easy testing of multiple grains.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f23goHDEgvoPart 3
This solid rocket motor was fired to evaluate a newly developed solid fuel at MPA University of Stuttgart. This is one of four tests performed in April. As it is only for fuel evaluation, it doesn't have a proper diverging section, therefore resulting in a short and stubby exhaust.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oyxYDCPKTYA