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The UK and European altitude record for a rocket built and launched on British Soil was potentially broken in early May. But we won’t know unless the Gamekeeper on the Scottish estate where it was launched comes across the second stage and the onboard data is recovered.
The rocket was launched by the Cambridge University Spaceflight Team at the Big Range 2012 Launch Campaign in Sutherland. The event was specifically for high altitude experimental rocketry and was a collaboration between the Scottish Aeronautics & Rocketry Association (SARA), UK Rocket Association (UKRA) and AspireSpace.
“The vehicle launched as planned, and we heard the second stage ignite, which meant that everything was working,” said Shane Glynn, an engineer on the team. “Unfortunately, we did not manage to get a fix on the radio beacon while the rocket was in the air, and it probably landed in a gully or in a pool of water, so we could not track it after it landed.”
Ed Moore, another team member said “We have been working on this project for six months - all in our spare time - evenings, weekends etc. It was both exciting and nerve wracking to see the culmination of our efforts go up in the expected pillar of flame, smoke and noise at the end of ten second countdown. If everything went as planned, it could have reached 35,000 feet - the current UK record is 21,200 feet.”
The Cambridge Team’s project looked professional. Made from carbon fibre and red anodised aluminium, the two stage rocket weighed about 40kg and was boosted by about 15kg of a composite propellant - similar to that used in the Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters. “This is an interesting way to test our avionics systems. The next step in our programme is to launch a three stage rocket - we aim to reach 50,000 feet - almost twice the height a commercial airliner flies.” said Mr Moore.
The enthusiasm and interest shown by the amateur teams at the event was inspirational. I think this could - and should - become a massive student competition that catches the imagination of potential and student engineers, such as Formula Student has done. It has already caught the eye of those in industry.
“I am very impressed with this group. Every problem they have encountered they have designed and built elegant and professional solutions.” said James Macfarlane, Chairman of the UK Rocket Association (UKRA) and Director of Airborne Engineering Ltd. “They have taken amateur rocketry up a level. This is not a hastily thrown together project held together with tape. It has taken many months of planning and meticulous engineering. It gives me great confidence in the future of the UK space industry.”
Big Range 2012 ran from Monday 30th April. The organisers hope that it will become an annual event for high altitude experimental rocketry and are already planning the 2013 event.
Further information
Cambridge Spaceflight Team: www.cusf.org.uk
UKRA: www.ukra.org.uk
AspireSpace: www.aspirespace.org.uk
About Dr Lucy Rogers
Lucy Rogers has a PhD in bubbles (fluid dynamics) and is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. She is passionate about space, astronomy and having fun.
For more information about Dr Lucy Rogers see: www.lucyrogers.com.