Reaching Unprecedented Altitudes with Advanced Amateur Rockets

Paper number

IAC-08.E2.3.7

Author

Mr. Hein Olthof, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Martijn de Milliano, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Eric Smit, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Mark Uitendaal, Delft University of Techonology (TU Delft), The Netherlands

Year

2008

Abstract

Stratos is a project of Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering (DARE) to build an advanced amateur rocket, capable of reaching altitudes of more than 10 km. The rocket will use solid propellant only, and it will be the first European amateur rocket equipped with an amateur rocket motor to reach the stratosphere. Besides this, a lot of new technologies are incorporated in the project.

The upper stage motor, which is developed by DARE itself, will consist of a full carbon fibre reinforced composite casing, with lightweight thermal protection liners. It will deliver a total impulse of 15000 Ns. Use is made of a monocoque structure, which means that the body tube of the rocket acts as the burning chamber as well. Since a low impulse propellant is used, which is student friendly and easy to obtain, keeping things lightweight is a driving requirement.  

Its electrical system will have capabilities unrivalled in amateur rocketry. The rocket will perform in-situ measurements of pressure and temperature, a transmitter for telemetry, a GPS receiver providing real-time position information to the ground station, a camera, and it will carry a payload provided by Delft University of Technology.

Furthermore, the project is a challenge from the aerodynamic point of view. Passive stabilization of such a large rocket requires large fins, so aeroelasticity will play a dominant role. Other than that, the flight of the upper stage will largely be supersonic, so formation of shockwaves and shift of the centre of pressure are also important aspects. These were investigated using simulation software. It was found that the shift in centre of pressure is in fact beneficial for the stability of the rocket. One measure to minimize the effects of shockwaves is the choice of a Von Karmann tangent ogive shaped nosecone.

This paper describes the design of the Stratos rocket and the mission profile. Engine test data is included, as well as a description of the electronic system. Currently, negotiations are taking place for a launch at a European launch site, in the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E2.3.7.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E2.3.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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