Explorer Post 1010
Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Cargo/Egg/Altimeter Notes
 
 

We can build cargo section of our rockets somewhat independent of the rest of the rocket.  By sticking with BT-80 units, we can make several that could be used by either team. We used an altimeter cargo and nose cone sections from last year in a launch on October 21.

The Estes PNC-80B nose cone seems to be a great egg container.  It is light weight and inexpensive. We need to design egg protection that fits in the nose cone and protects electronics from a broken egg. 

We may also use the Aerotech 11261 Ogive 2.6 inch nose cone.  We will have to address the weight.
We should build several altimeter sections using BT-80 tubes. We need to read the directions on the altimeter about the air holes and the position of the altimeter.

Last year we mounted the altimeter vertical with the spring on the top.  We may want to design a horizontal unit to reduce weight. In either case, we need to construct protection for the altimeter.

The cargo sections need to have easy access to install the egg and altimeter, but they need to be bound together during flight.  Last year we tried tape, but it failed and we lost an altimeter.  We used small pins in the rocket walls and it never failed.

 

Copyright 2006 Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Updated: October 31, 2006