Explorer Post 1010
Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Launch March 2, 2008
 
Three members of Team 2 travelled to Great Meadows in Virginia for a launch of their V2. It was a nice day with light winds. They got off one successful launch, but ran out of time and resources for a second launch.

Objectives:

  • We need to have two successful launches with chute ejections controlled by the timer.
  • We want to test our launch system at the Virginia site to be sure NAR accepts it.
  • We want to try chute ejections at 3.1 seconds and then about 4 seconds after launch.
  • We need to work out the egg protection.
     Lessons
  • The timer ejection worked!
  • We predicted an altitude of 618 feet and got an altitude of 612 feet.
  • We need to fully prep and test two ejection charges for each potential launch because they are very fragile.
  • We need a better way to secure the altimeter.
  • We need to adjust the launch tower so it is tighter. The tower may have caused the launch angle problem.
  • The altimeter/egg unit wobbles on the rocket body.
  • The launch system was acceptable to the range safety officers.

Launches

Rocket Weight Engine Electronics Results Comments
V2
(video)
1196g G64-7 Altimeter A
(data)
612ft, 32sec Launch was a little off vertical into wind. Timer ejected chute at 3.1sec after launch.

Data

 
    (altimeter data)

Pictures

 

Copyright 2008 Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Updated: March 4, 2008