Albums: Pike Test Launch March 14th, 2009

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.