P-2 launch attempt update: First flight of an aerospike engine using liquid propellants
After resolving the issue of launch rail availability, the team is now
doing final preparations for the launch the Prospector-2 prototype launch
vehicle which will be powered by an aerospike engine. If successful,
this event would mark the first powered launch of an aerospike engine
using liquid propellants after more than 40 years of research by NASA and
others.
As usual, although a late morning launch is targeted, the launch time
will depend on last minute preparations. For operations at the Mojave
Test Area, including logistics and directions,
click here.
CSULB students who desire to carpool in the College of Engineering van
should contact Paul Skaar at pskaar@csulb.edu or (562) 985-2586.
Only a few spots are available. The van will leave early Saturday
morning (5-6 am) and return probably late in the afternoon or in the
evening.
The previously-flown P-2 will be powered by the 1000 lbf aerospike engine.
At apogee, the rocket will release a newly-developed payload carrier which
will contain a small camera system developed by students from Cerritos
High School. The system includes a photo-sensor which will detect
deployment from the box and start taking digital pictures while the
payload comes down on its parachute.
Two other CSULB/GSC payloads will fly onboard P-2: a GPS sensor with
data downlink using wi-fi technology and a video camera with transmitter
to obtain footage of the first few seconds of flight.
The rocket will also fly a USC/JPL MEMS propulsion device to evaluate
its behavior in the stressful launch environment. Accelerometer data
will be collected by the CSULB/GSC team to quantify this environment.
For additional information about
either the CALVEIN project and/or the cooperative program between
CSULB and Garvey Spacecraft Corporation, please contact the following
project representatives:
