2022-09-17 Pinkbeary First Flight

First flight of our experimental stage separation mechanism

Airframe

Recovery

Systems

PVP

Media

September 16

Launch logistics were organized a week in advance with a spreadsheet listing cars and drivers.
No one shuffled between cars.
Cars left around 4:30 PM on 16 Sep. Two left from Hearst Mining Circle. One directly went to pick members up and then went to buy groceries for the launch, leaving Berkeley around 5:30 PM.
- In the future, we should purchase groceries ahead of time to avoid getting stuck in rush hour traffic.
Stop made at Denny's, In&Out for dinner & to allow the late-departing car to catch up.
Arrived at Motel 6 in Mojave, CA at 12:45 AM on 17 Sep.
- In the future, recommend departing earlier in the day (depending on availability) and stopping for less time in order to arrive earlier to allow for more time to rest.

Departed from Motel 6 at 7:30 AM.
Arrived at FAR at 8:30 AM.
Began integration immediately. Integration completed by 11:30 AM but launch was delayed to allow for Michael Karish (former Recovery Lead and SSEP PM) to join a virtual call to watch launch.
FAR officials did not hold safety talk, nor did they require a L2 cert.

Not held due to extensive experience and testing in stage separation and parachute deployment.
Ground tests may not be held during launches in the future. TBD by Recovery.

Pinkbeary placed on launch rail and armed at 12:45 PM.
Initial launch attempt scrubbed due to failed lower-stage motor igniter.
Pinkbeary successfully launched at 1:46 PM after FAR officials provided STAR with a new custom-made motor igniter.

Last updated 2 years ago