Development of a Rocket Test Platform Capable of Delivering Standard Dimension Payloads to Near-Space Altitudes
Abstract
Within the NPS Small Satellite Lab, research and development of emerging technologies and theirimplementation as CubeSat payloads has continued to be a focus of hands-on, lab-based academics. Testingof these student-built CubeSats in real-world environmental conditions began with the high-altitude balloonproject in which large Nomex weather balloons were used to carry student-built CubeSat payloads tonear-space altitudes. Since the inaugural flight in 2011, the high-altitude balloon project has generatedinterest from both senior civilian and military leadership, as the academic and military utility of such aprogram is readily apparent. Building upon the success of the program, this thesis seeks to complement thecapabilities of the high-altitude balloon as an academic education tool and military payload delivery vehiclethrough the development of a high-power rocket program within the NPS Space Systems Academic Group.In addition to providing procedures and documentation as to the requirements for establishing a high-powerrocket program, this thesis details the design, construction, and proof-of-concept flight of a reusable rocketcapable of delivering standard dimension payloads to near-space altitudes. Results from several rocketflights are then used to explore the academic and military utility of a sustainable high-power rocket program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1080367
Entities
People
- Dillon T. Pierce
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School