Utah State University

Aerospike Documents


2008-2009 Chimaera team


The 2008-2009 USLI Team from Utah State University.

Presentation on NASA`s Digital Learning Network


After winning the USLI competition last year, the 2007-2008 team was invited to the STS 126 launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. While at the launch, the team was interviewed on NASA's Digital Learning Network. The members discussed the design and construction of the Barracuda. They also were each given the chance to speak about their individual roles on team and what first got them interested in engineering. This was a great opportunity for the team to share about engineering with a national audience.

Wind tunnel testing


The USU Chimaera team performed wind-tunnel testing to obtain drag coefficients for the Pike... with airbrakes both open and closed. Models were made on a 3D printer.

Outreach


The 2008-2009 team was proud to host and/or participate in many different outreach activities both in Logan and along the Wasatch Front.

Pike Test Launch March 14th, 2009


The USU Chimaera team launched the Pike on Saturday, March 14th near Saratoga Springs, UT. The launch was a huge success. The on-board energy management algorithm guided the rocket to an altitude only 27 inches over target, and the attitude control system trimmed the rocket in roll for most of the flight and stayed within safety margins in pitch and yaw. An on-board video camera also captured some dramatic video that includes two airbrake deployments and the drogue parachute deployment.

Static motor test on February 5th, 2009


Motor Test 1.jpg
Static motor burn.JPG
Calibration of load cell.JPG

The USU Chimaera team performed three static test fires of the AMW L777 motor. These test fires were used to estimate the variability of the motor. The resulting stats were used in Monte Carlo simulations.

2007-2008 Team


The team for the 2007-2008 year and their rocket the Barracuda took first place in NASA's USLI (University Student Launch Initiative) in 2008.

Barracuda test launch on February 21st, 2009


This test launch was done in order to test flight computer that will be running all of the controls on The Pike.

Outreach


The purpose of Utah State's outreach program is to promote interest in math, science, and engineering in the local community. Utah State has organized several outreach activies reaching a total of over 750 youth in Northern Utah.

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