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no edit summary
= Launch Day Procedures =
= Who You Will Meet =
== Range Safety Officer (RSO) ==
The RSO is responsible for pre-flight inspection and approval of hobby rocket vehicles within a specified motor impulse range. They give the final word on whether your rocket will launch. Jump to [[#Range Safety Check | Range Safety Check ]] to read about what you need to prepare for inspection or read this document [https://www.nar.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/RSO-Operations-Manual-Blue-Mtn-Rktrs.pdf] if you're interested in the nuts and bolts of what an RSO does.
The RSO is responsible for pre-flight inspection and approval of hobby rocket vehicles within a specified motor impulse range. They give the final word on whether your rocket will launch. Jump to [[#Range Safety Check | Range Safety Check ]] to read about what you need to prepare for inspection or read this document [https://www.nar.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/RSO-Operations-Manual-Blue-Mtn-Rktrs.pdf] if you're interested in the nuts and bolts of what an RSO does.
== Launch Control Officer (LCO) ==
The LCO is responsible for control of the range and the actual launching of the rocket vehicles themselves.
The LCO is responsible for control of the range and the actual launching of the rocket vehicles themselves.
= What You Need To Bring =
== Rocket Fuel ==
Note: these lists have two columns.
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*Ziploc bags to store the things below in.
*Epoxy
*Epoxy
*Tools to apply epoxy (i.e. popsicle sticks and paper plates)
*Tools to apply epoxy (i.e. popsicle sticks and paper plates)
*Measuring tape
*Measuring tape
*Calipers
*Calipers
*Paper Towels
*Paper towels
*Plastic bags
*Plastic bags
*Clamps
*Clamps
*Gloves
*Gloves
*Trash bags
*Trash bags
*Rockets
*Motors - all that we would reasonably use!
*Grease for motor cases
*Spare rocket components
*Motor retaining rings
*Black powder
</div>
If doing L2 also bring these things along:
If doing L2 also bring these things along:
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*Wire strippers
*Wire strippers
*Wire
*Small needlenose pliers
*Small needlenose pliers
*Black powder
*Pyrodex
*Centrifuge tubes
*Extra igniters and ematches
*Extra igniters and ematches
*Soldering iron
*Soldering iron
*Altimeter USB cables
*Altimeter USB cables
*Batteries
*Batteries
*Battery connectors
*Multimeter
*Multimeter
*Precision Screwdriver
*Precision Screwdriver
*Laptop
*Laptops with altimeter programming software
*Ziptie gun
*Ziptie gun & zipties
</div>
== People Fuel ==
[[File:TCCRebeccasLaunch.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Rebecca Wong at a November launch at TCC]]
[[File:TCCRebeccasLaunch.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Rebecca Wong at a November launch at TCC]]
*Table cloth
*Table cloth
== Appropriate Clothing ==
These requirements obviously change per season, but the running theme is that you will be exposed to the elements all day.
These requirements obviously change per season, but the running theme is that you will be exposed to the elements all day.
*Jacket
*Jacket
= Vendors =
[http://bayarearocketry.com/ Bay Area Rocketry] is a local supplier of rocket parts and motors, and will often travel to launches, allowing us to pick up our motors at the site. Since SSI does not store motors on campus, this is a very nice perk.
[http://bayarearocketry.com/ Bay Area Rocketry] is a local supplier of rocket parts and motors, and will often travel to launches, allowing us to pick up our motors at the site. Since SSI does not store motors on campus, this is a very nice perk.
[https://www.publicmissiles.com Public Missiles] sells very large components - think rockets with diameters >6in.
[https://www.publicmissiles.com Public Missiles] sells very large components - think rockets with diameters >6in.
= Range Layout =
Depending on which launch site you go to, this will be different. However, there are some basic themes.
Depending on which launch site you go to, this will be different. However, there are some basic themes.
The control tent is where you check in your rocket with the RSO, and get your pad assignment from the LCO. This is also where you can take your L2 exam, if you have not done so already, and also where you bring your rocket back to get your certification.
The control tent is where you check in your rocket with the RSO, and get your pad assignment from the LCO. This is also where you can take your L2 exam, if you have not done so already, and also where you bring your rocket back to get your certification.
[[File:Snow_Ranch_Launch_Site.jpg|thumb|frame|center|1000px|Snow Ranch launch site (LUNAR)]]
[[File:Del_Norte_Launch_Site.jpg|thumb|frame|center|1000px|Del Norte launch site (TCC)]]
= Packing Your Parachute =
When packing your parachute it should not fit too tightly within your airframe. You can test this yourself by giving a quick pull on the shock cord attached to the parachute. For the L1s, and most of the L2s, the parachutes are small enough that you should be able to have the entire parachute pop out of the airframe by doing this. If you find yourself having trouble either inserting your parachute into your airframe, removing it, or simply have no idea where to start there are a couple of styles of folding that may help.
When packing your parachute it should not fit too tightly within your airframe. You can test this yourself by giving a quick pull on the shock cord attached to the parachute. For the L1s, and most of the L2s, the parachutes are small enough that you should be able to have the entire parachute pop out of the airframe by doing this. If you find yourself having trouble either inserting your parachute into your airframe, removing it, or simply have no idea where to start there are a couple of styles of folding that may help.
Shock cord should be 5 body lengths, rather than 3 body lengths.
Shock cord should be 5 body lengths, rather than 3 body lengths.
= Prepping Your Motor =
If using a single use motor or Disposable Motor System, make sure to check that the delay on the ejection charge is correct using a simulation software (i.e. OpenRocket). If needed adjust the length of the delay grain. Then place the correct quantity of ejection propellant in the correct location. Cap it.
If using a single use motor or Disposable Motor System, make sure to check that the delay on the ejection charge is correct using a simulation software (i.e. OpenRocket). If needed adjust the length of the delay grain. Then place the correct quantity of ejection propellant in the correct location. Cap it.
Here is a great video to watch.
Here is a great video to watch.
= Filling Out Your Flight Card =
You must fill out a flight card before launching any rockets on launch day. You must know and indicate:
You must fill out a flight card before launching any rockets on launch day. You must know and indicate:
*The motor specs: manufacturer, type, impulse, how many, total impulse if multiple
*The motor specs: manufacturer, type, impulse, how many, total impulse if multiple
= Range Safety Check =
Before you get cleared for launch, the RSO will inspect your rocket structures, motor certification, and dynamic properties. You should be prepared to answer any and all questions the RSO may have about your rocket. Remember -- the RSO has the final say on whether your rocket gets to launch or not, so it is in your best interest to prepare beforehand all the necessary paperwork, calculations, safety procedures, and proper assembly and convince the RSO you know what you are doing and your launch is unlikely to fail. A full documentation of what the RSO does (or doesn't) do can be found under [[#Range Safety Officer | Range Safety Officer]].
Before you get cleared for launch, the RSO will inspect your rocket structures, motor certification, and dynamic properties. You should be prepared to answer any and all questions the RSO may have about your rocket. Remember -- the RSO has the final say on whether your rocket gets to launch or not, so it is in your best interest to prepare beforehand all the necessary paperwork, calculations, safety procedures, and proper assembly and convince the RSO you know what you are doing and your launch is unlikely to fail. A full documentation of what the RSO does (or doesn't) do can be found under [[#Range Safety Officer | Range Safety Officer]].
== Administrative ==
*'''Is the flier over 18 years of age?''' If you are not over 18, you legally cannot launch mid or high power rockets. Sorry.
*'''Is the flier over 18 years of age?''' If you are not over 18, you legally cannot launch mid or high power rockets. Sorry.
*'''Will the rocket penetrate cloud cover?''' In accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) (the FAA regulations pertaining to who can or can't use airspace), high power rockets cannot be launched into cloud cover greater than 50% or visibility less than 5 miles.
*'''Will the rocket penetrate cloud cover?''' In accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) (the FAA regulations pertaining to who can or can't use airspace), high power rockets cannot be launched into cloud cover greater than 50% or visibility less than 5 miles.
== Motors ==
*'''Is the motor certified?''' NAR, TRA, and NFPA Safety Codes require that only certified motors be used. Motors are certified by undergoing testing as set forth by the NFPA. TRA and NAR have a reciprocity agreement so that motors that are certified with one organization are upheld by the other. Main takeaway: make sure your motor is certified (it will be) and would be good to know which organization did the certification [http://www.thrustcurve.org/searchpage.jsp (easily looked up online)].
*'''Is the motor certified?''' NAR, TRA, and NFPA Safety Codes require that only certified motors be used. Motors are certified by undergoing testing as set forth by the NFPA. TRA and NAR have a reciprocity agreement so that motors that are certified with one organization are upheld by the other. Main takeaway: make sure your motor is certified (it will be) and would be good to know which organization did the certification [http://www.thrustcurve.org/searchpage.jsp (easily looked up online)].
*'''What prevents the motor from flying-through the rocket?''' Give your motor a good push (the RSO may do this also) and make sure neither the motor nor the motor tube move inside the airframe.
*'''What prevents the motor from flying-through the rocket?''' Give your motor a good push (the RSO may do this also) and make sure neither the motor nor the motor tube move inside the airframe.
== Rocket Construction & Inspection==
*'''Is the rocket stable? Is the CG in front of the CP? Be able to identify both.''' You can find the CG of the rocket with the motor installed by finding its balancing point. Mark this point on the outside of your rocket. Use a simulation program to determine where your CP is and mark this on the outside also. The CG must be at least 1 caliber in front of the CP.
*'''Is the rocket stable? Is the CG in front of the CP? Be able to identify both.''' You can find the CG of the rocket with the motor installed by finding its balancing point. Mark this point on the outside of your rocket. Use a simulation program to determine where your CP is and mark this on the outside also. The CG must be at least 1 caliber in front of the CP.
The rocket should slide freely on the rail. The pad angle should be within 20 degrees of the vertical axis (normal to the surface of the earth). Flight critical electronics (if there are any) should be armed before putting in igniters. Any radio control equipment should also be nominally operating before arming the igniters.
The rocket should slide freely on the rail. The pad angle should be within 20 degrees of the vertical axis (normal to the surface of the earth). Flight critical electronics (if there are any) should be armed before putting in igniters. Any radio control equipment should also be nominally operating before arming the igniters.
== How to install an igniter ==
Place in the nozzle of rocket, and tape the igniter to the rocket so it does not slide out. '''Make sure not to short the leads of the igniters. '''
Place in the nozzle of rocket, and tape the igniter to the rocket so it does not slide out. '''Make sure not to short the leads of the igniters. '''
Here is a great video to watch.
Here is a great video to watch.
= Checklist of What to Know =
'''If you do not know the answer to any part of this, look it up. Either in the above sections, or on the internet.'''
'''If you do not know the answer to any part of this, look it up. Either in the above sections, or on the internet.'''
- What epoxy was used in construction? Ans - 30 min epoxy for the tube fins and JB Weld for hardpoint and motor retainer.
- What epoxy was used in construction? Ans - 30 min epoxy for the tube fins and JB Weld for hardpoint and motor retainer.
= Quick G Calculation =
Quick way to calculate g’s on liftoff:
Quick way to calculate g’s on liftoff:
The H550 motor puts us at an initial launch acceleration of 30g’s, approximately 90 ft/s off the launch rod, so anything inside the tube will shake uncontrollably and possibly break. It will also cause the parachutes and other stuff in the rocket to be shoved down the tube. Be careful about how you attach the coupler as screws can catch the parachute and make it fail. Ask Ian on how to explain this to the safety officer!
The H550 motor puts us at an initial launch acceleration of 30g’s, approximately 90 ft/s off the launch rod, so anything inside the tube will shake uncontrollably and possibly break. It will also cause the parachutes and other stuff in the rocket to be shoved down the tube. Be careful about how you attach the coupler as screws can catch the parachute and make it fail. Ask Ian on how to explain this to the safety officer!
=Final Check!=
Are you ready to launch? Run through this quick checklist!
==L1==
*Is your parachute packed correctly? Kevlar wrapped around? Is it attached to your rocket?
*Is your airframe bolted together nice and tight?
*Did you buy the correct motor? (H or I Motor - MUST BE 38mm)
*Did you pack in black powder for motor delay ejections? Check the delay time.
*Does your nose cone slide off with vigorous vertical shaking (with the motor assembled)
*Is there any epoxy that has not dried? (Wait if there is)
*Is your certification form and flight card filled out with rocket info? Do you know your NAR/TRA membership #?
*Did you pay your launch fee?
*Are your rail guides properly mounted on your rocket?
*Is there a pressure ventilation hole so your recovery system doesn't prematurely deploy?
==L2==
In addition to the last 6 items listed under the L1 check,
*Are your parachutes correctly packed and attached to the avionics bay (and nose cone)?
*Did you buy the correct motor? (J or K -- if you're not using motor ejection, don't fill with black powder)
*Are all electronics functioning? Fresh batteries? Easy switch access?
*If using a barometric-based altimeter, have you drilled a pressure-access hole for it?
*Have you loaded up your charge wells?
*Have you checked the position and attachment of your igniters?
*'''Are your apogee and main charges facing the correct direction?'''
All good? Great! Get a photo of you and your rocket on the launch pad and good luck!
[[Category:Rockets]] [[Category: Rockets Guides]]