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Reference material that might come in handy
C programming book: http://www.dipmat.univpm.it/~demeio/public/the_c_programming_language_2.pdf
Rocket Propulsion Elements book:
How to Design, Build and Test Small Liquid-fuel Rocket Engines: http://www.cientificosaficionados.com/libros/cohetes.pdf
NASA SP-125 Design of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines Second Edition by Huzel and Huang: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19710019929
Term/Acronym
Definition
Links and Resources
O/ F Ratio or Mixture Ratio
Mixture Ratio is the ratio of the liquid oxidizer flow rate divided by the liquid fuel flow rate, with both flow rates being measured as mass flow rates. The best performance (highest specific impulse) is obtained at a specific optimum mixture ratio.
Term/Acronym
Full Phrase
Explanation
Regenerative Cooling
Regenerative cooling, in the context of rocket engine design, is a configuration in which some or all of the propellant is passed through tubes, channels, or in a jacket around the combustion chamber or nozzle to cool the engine. This serves two purposes: 1) it cools the combustion chamber and 2) it warms the fuel -- making the combustion reaction more efficient. [1]
Ablative Cooling
With ablative cooling, combustion gas-side wall material is sacrificed by melting, vaporization and chemical changes to dissipate heat. As a result, relatively cool gases flow over the wall surface, thus lowering the boundary-layer temperature and assisting the cooling process.
Film Cooling
Film cooling is used in many applications to reduce convective heat transfer to a surface. Gas which is cooler than the freestream is passed onto the external surface via small slots or rows of holes within the surface. The aim is to introduce the coolant into the boundary layer without significantly increasing turbulence and entraining additional hot freestream gas. [1] [2] [3]
Water cooling
Water cooling uses water instead of existing propellant to cool the system. [1]
Term/Acronym
Full Phrase
Explanation
Term/Acronym
Full Phrase
Explanation
Term/Acronym
Full Phrase
Explanation
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Explanation
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Explanation
Design tips for High Power Rocketry
Search [topic] + "apogee newsletter" and you can often find great results
Specific articles coming soon
Make sure you allocated enough space for your parachutes. Too much space is better than not enough space!
TODO: how to determine/estimate packing size
Do you have rail buttons? (Most likely you should have 1010 rail buttons)
Does your motor mount fit the motors you plan on using?
The motor can be longer than the motor mount, but then the motor may take up parachute space!
A lot of H motors are 38mm.
A lot of J motors are 54mm (but the BAR L2 special [the J350W] is 38mm).
Ground hit speed should be <20ft/s. Is your main parachute big enough?
(For dual deployment) Speed at main deployment should be <70-80ft/s. Is your drogue big enough? (TODO: should I say <50 ft/s instead?)
Velocity off the rail (our rails are at least 6 ft) should be >50 ft/s.
Stability = (CG - CP) / rocket diameter, with CG and CP measured from the bottom of the rocket. It is unitless, but usually written as a number of “cal”s.
Stability should be between 1.5 cal to 2.0 cal. Stability of 1.8 cal is good.
Consider adding a mass to the nosecone-payload tube region if the rocket is under-stable for a large motor
Tubing:
Fiberglass is expensive (?).
Carbon fiber is more expensive (?).
Blue tube is strong and relatively cheap.
Don’t use cardboard for HPR.
Shoulders:
Recommended shoulder length (i.e. extent of coupler tube) is about tube diameter (i.e. 1 cal).
Nose cones:
4:1 tangent ogive is nearly optimal. (?)
Fins:
Plywood is good up to around 330 ft/s. Above this, there is significant risk of fin flutter, which can break your fins right off the rocket.
G-10 fiberglass has flutter speeds of over 1 Km/s (~3330 ft/s), so for L1/L2 it should be fine.
Tube size:
Hands tend to be less than 4” across -- so if you want to be able to reach all the way inside your rocket, 4” should be big enough.
Fin mounting:
Sandwich between bulkheads.
Epoxy the shit out of the fins.
Bulkheads:
0.25” plywood is a good choice.
Motor mount:
Usually a phenolic tube; may be fiberglass.
Design around the length of the motor(s) you plan on using.
If using a threaded motor retainer, allocate enough room for this by having enough of the motor mount tube extended beyond the aft centering ring
STAR's primary palettes are to be used for primary branding elements such as logos, headers, and important text. Depending on circumstance, the 'black' and 'white' colors may be supplemented or replaced with their web defaults. The colors above can also be used for descriptive text as needed (particularly black and white).
STAR's secondary palette is more flexible than the primary palette. The colors and themes in the figure above are to be used freely as backgrounds, graphic details, or other elements in STAR promotional or other material. They can be tweaked and adjusted as needed and really serve more as recommended guidelines. The "Colored Stars" example above has a gradient overlaid on top of the starscape in the background of the cited NASA image. A large supply of royalty free starscape and other space related images can be attained freely from NASA. DSO Browser is also a good source for amateur astrophotography including several items captured by members of STAR. Note that not all items on DSO Browser are freely available. The use of NASA images is permitted by the following policy:
NASA content - images, audio, video, and computer files used in the rendition of 3-dimensional models, such as texture maps and polygon data in any format - generally are not copyrighted. You may use this material for educational or informational purposes, including photo collections, textbooks, public exhibits, computer graphical simulations and Internet Web pages. This general permission extends to personal Web pages.
News outlets, schools, and text-book authors may use NASA content without needing explicit permission. NASA content used in a factual manner that does not imply endorsement may be used without needing explicit permission. NASA should be acknowledged as the source of the material. NASA occasionally uses copyrighted material by permission on its website. Those images will be marked copyright with the name of the copyright holder. NASA's use does not convey any rights to others to use the same material. Those wishing to use copyrighted material must contact the copyright holder directly.
NASA has extensive image and video galleries online, including historic images, current missions, astronomy pictures, Earth images and ways to search for NASA images. Generally, each mission and program has a video and image collection on the topic page. For example, Space Station videos can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/videos/index.html. Content can also be found on our extensive social media channels.
The full text of the above policy is available at https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/guidelines/index.html.
STAR has both a lettermark and pictorial mark logo for use in all official materials. Both have options available in all the primary colors as described above. All current logos and other brand elements can be found in both PNG and AI format in the Google Drive.
A pictorial mark logo is a graphical logo with some existing and recognizable symbol that's directly associated with the entity the logo is representing. STAR's pictorial logo is an image of a rocket as shown below and comes in eight standard colors.
As pictured above, the pictoral logos come in eight varieties. There's a flat and a layered logo for each of STAR's primary palettes. Note that the black and white logos do not correspond with their exact Pantone color codes as of yet due to temporary color constraints. Although any of the logos shown above are allowed for official STAR use, the highlighted ones are recommended for most purposes. In general, the layered blue logo should be use as the general dark logo and the layered white one for the general light logo.
The workmark logo is avaliable in Google Drive, in the Media folder, Current Brand Elements, Typographic logo.
You do not need to type out the workmark logo, use the vector version of the logo (Export from Illustrator file) or use the .png version.
The current font used most often in STAR flyers and other promotional materials is Proxima Nova Bold Italic. Note that non-itallic and non-bold varieties are not often used.
As in the example above, capitalized light gold letters are often used for headers and emphasis. White text is often used for bulk descriptive elements. For non-graphic sources such as website material, other fonts are allowed.
As noted in our constitution, the official name of this organization is "Space Technologies and Rocketry" and is typically abbreviated as "STAR" with the "A" capitalized. Derivatives of this name such as "California Space Technologies and Rocketry," "CalSTAR," and "UC Berkeley STAR" are not officially recognized and should be used neither either formally nor informally. When appropriate, such as with account names, a full title of "STAR: Space Technologies and Rocketry" may be used as shown below.
Official UC Berkeley brand guidelines are available at https://brand.berkeley.edu/. Note that STAR is not required to adhere to these guidelines.
Here are some common acronyms from STAR, NASA, or engineering in general. There's no shame in not knowing something! Please correct this if something is wrong/unclear or add it if it's missing.
We are not lawyers and cannot certify that the information on this page is accurate or complete. For informational purposes only.
With a few exceptions, items on the Explosives List have strict requirements on storage and handling, generally requiring a permit and approved magazine for storage.
Other rocketry-related items including, but not limited to, ammonium perchlorate explosive mixtures, igniters, squibs, safety fuses, regulated black powder rocket engines, black powder rocket motor components, and black powder not intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms or devices continue to be regulated under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40 and 27 CFR Part 555. Therefore, a Federal explosives license or permit is required to manufacture, import, distribute, transport, or receive these materials. Recordkeeping and storage requirements also apply.
Black powder is found on the Explosives List.
Model rocket motors that meet all of the following criteria [are exempt]—
ii. Contain no more than 62.5 grams of total propellant weight; and
iii. Are designed as single-use motors or as reload kits capable of reloading no more than 62.5 grams of propellant into a reusable motor casing.
Smokeless powders are found on the Explosives List.
Smokeless powders designed for use in small arms ammunition are exempt from regulation under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40 and the regulations in 27 CFR Part 555. Packaging that readily identifies the smokeless powder as being designed for use in small arms ammunition may help in determining whether it is entitled to the exemption. Smokeless powder designed for use other than in small arms ammunition, and explosive products such as squibs, fireworks, theatrical special effects, or other articles that may contain smokeless powders, are regulated and must be stored pursuant to the regulations at 27 CFR 555, Subpart K – Storage.
Storage guidelines found in the Orange Book are still useful as recommendations even if not legally required for APCP motors.
The DOT may separately regulate the transport of hazardous materials and explosives.
Chapter 6, Article 2, § 980 defines the following:
(3) Experimental High Power Rocket. Non-professional rockets which are propelled by commercially manufactured high-power solid propellant rocket motors. (4) Experimental High Power Rocket Motor. A State Fire Marshal approved, commercially manufactured rocket propulsion device containing a solid propellant charge wherein all the ingredients are pre-mixed and which produces more than 160 Newton-seconds (36 lb.-seconds) but shall not exceed 10,240 Newton-seconds (2302.2 lb.-seconds) of total impulse.
From Article 18, § 1031:
(a) All types of experimental high power rocket motors shall be submitted by a licensed experimental high power rocket motor manufacturer, importer/exporter, or wholesaler to the State Fire Marshal for classification. (b) All motors shall bear the State Fire Marshal seal and the registration number of the licensee. Classified motors contained within packages may have the State Fire Marshal seal and registration number on the package, provided that such packages are sealed.
and from Article 18, § 1033:
No person shall possess, receive, transport, store, or launch any experimental high power rocket motor without first securing a valid license as a Pyrotechnic Operator -Rockets First, Second, or Third Class from the State Fire Marshal. No person shall sell an experimental high power rocket motor to any person unless the seller possesses a valid license as a wholesaler or retailer under this chapter.
In California, a Pyrotechnic Operator license is needed to work with and launch rockets. A Class 3 license allows people to launch and supervise other people launching rockets powered by commercial high-powered solid rocket motors, assuming the other legal requirements are met.
Class 2 licenses allow the same rights as a Class 3 license, but also allow the holder to fabricate and launch rockets with an experimental solid motor.
Class 1 licenses allow all of the same rights and responsibilities as a Class 2 or Class 3, but also allow for the fabrication and flying of experimental solid and hybrid rocket motors as well.
While the National Fire Protection Association is a non-governmental non-profit with no legal authority of its own, many states refer to NFPA 1125 and 1127 in regulations on the manufacture of rocket motors and the flying of high power rockets. Additionally, NAR and TRA require knowledge of NFPA 1127 for Level 2 certification, and follow NFPA 1127 guidelines at launches.
First, learn about HPR from the comprehensive NASA SL reference and associated videos:
Then, get started on your L1 journey by checking out our resources on design and sourcing components:
When you've successfully completed a cert, add yourself to our list of certified members here!
Some of this is basic, but most of it is quite relevant and useful
These videos cover the basics of high power rocketry as it related to hobbyists and college teams. Feel free to skip or fast-forward through the slow parts, but on the whole these are relevant and useful to what we do. The target audience is NASA Student Launch teams--a competition STAR has competed in!
Minimize complexity to maximize your chances of success. In practice, this means:
Consider buying a kit. While you may have experience in HPR, designing a rocket from scratch can introduce more work and more risk. Most club members who have successfully completed an L1 have done so with a kit.
Use motor ejection for parachute deployment. While it may be tempting to try electronics, motor ejection is far more common in the hobby and introduces far less complexity into your system. Motor ejection is generally considered simple and effective. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about obtaining and preparing e-matches, black powder charges, etc.
Don't use shear pins. If using motor ejection, you will not have an (easy) way to ground test your recovery system. As such, using shear pins introduces a failure mode that is not easy to mitigate (shear pins don't shear). A simple friction fit with masking tape to hold together the two halves of your rocket is more than sufficient for an L1.
Consider using an Aerotech DMS or Cesaroni motor. Cesaroni RMS motors reasonably easy to use, but are in limited supply from our usual vendor. Aerotech RMS motors are significantly more complicated and require the purchase and assembly of several additional components. DMS motors require no casing, no assembly--simply adjust the delay, pack the ejection charge, and slide the motor in.
Get a threaded motor retainer. All you have to do is epoxy it to the end of the motor mount tube, slide in your motor, then screw on the cap.
Ask questions! #rocket-design is our designated channel for rocket- and certification-related questions, but feel free to contact anyone you know who has gone through the process before. It's better to ask a question than make a mistake and waste $100+ of materials and countless hours of your time!
The L2 flight test is the same as the L1 but with at least a J motor. The recommendations to minimize complexity also apply here. Get a kit capable of flying J motors to get this cert on a budget.
Other than the flight test, you also have to take a written test beforehand:
In accordance with , the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) annually publishes a list of explosive materials. The most recent Explosives List (at the time of writing) can be found here: .
. This means that APCP motors of any size are not subject to federal explosives regulations and storage requirements, although it is still encouraged to store APCP safely. Note the text:
From there are two important exemptions to the requirement that users of black powder maintain a Low Explosives User Permit and store black powder in an ATFE-approved magazine:
i. Consist of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, black powder, or other similar low ;
Except for the provisions applicable to required to be licensed under subpart D, this part does not apply with respect to commercially manufactured black powder in quantities not to exceed 50 pounds, percussion caps, safety and pyrotechnic fuses, quills, quick and slow matches, and friction primers, if the black powder is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms, as defined in (a)(16) or antique devices, as exempted from the term “destructive devices” in (a)(4).
Smokeless powders are more commonly available and often suggested as alternatives to black powder. However, :
The BATFE publishes a document titled "Publication of Federal Explosives Laws and Regulations", colloquially known as the "Orange Book". It is a valuable resource for permit holders and clarifies much of 27 CFR 555 in a fairly readable format. This document is generally considered the go-to source for clarification from the BATFE on explosives law, magazine requirements, etc. It can be downloaded here:
The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) regulates the "export" (including disclosure to foreign nationals living in the US) of certain technical data and technologies. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are a set of federal regulations that implement the AECA, regulating items on the US Munitions List (see: , ).
We believe that any rocketry work we do outside of high power rocketry (as defined by NFPA 1127) is covered by the fundamental research exceptions to these regulations, following . Specifically, the EAR 15 CFR § 734.8 and ITAR 22 CFR § 120.11 define fundamental research, and both sets of regulations exempt such material from regulation.
Exports are also regulated by the . The EAR is closely related to the in the same way that ITAR is related to the US Munitions List.
We believe that any rocketry work we do outside of high power rocketry (as defined by NFPA 1127) is covered by the fundamental research exceptions to these regulations, following . Specifically, the EAR 15 CFR § 734.8 and ITAR 22 CFR § 120.11 define fundamental research, and both sets of regulations exempt such material from regulation.
An FAA waiver is required for most high power rocketry activities. Please refer to the NAR website for more information:
Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 governs "Fireworks", in this case including high power rocketry. See also Chapter 10, governing "Explosives".
The updated process is being documented here:
The following is out of date and mostly for reference only. This detailed write-up by a LUNAR member details the process of obtaining a CA Pyro III license for high power rocketry in 2003: .
Also refer to the LUNAR handbook for a step-by-step guide to becoming a licensed Pyro III through LUNAR: //
NFPA codes are generally behind a paywall, but linked here is a and a . Do NOT rely on these as more than informational reference material, as significant changes have likely been made since these documents were published.
NASA has also nicely compiled all the information needed for L1- and L2-level HPR projects into a ~100-page written document! Check it out here if you're not a fan of watching videos, or if you want a more detailed guide to accompany the videos:
Communicate with those in charge of certification, at least one week in advance. The closest launch for STAR members is at 's Snow Ranch site; to get certified there you will have to contact David Raimondi (see LUNAR website). For those looking to get a Tripoli certification, the closest Tripoli club is . Note that a NAR cert will be honored at a Tripoli launch, and vice-versa.
NAR question pool:
TRA practice test with all questions:
Term/Acronym
Full Phrase
Explanation
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A 3D printing plastic made from Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene polymers.
BFO
Bear Force One
The name of STAR's IREC 2020 rocket. This is also our 2021 entry due to the competition being postponed.
BOM
Bill of Materials
A list of the materials that go in to an engineering assembly or design.
CAD
Computer Aided Design
The usage of computer software (i.e. SolidWorks) to design parts or assemblies.
CAM
Computer Aided Machining
The use of a computer program to plan toolpaths, usually for waterjet or CNC, but sometimes used in the context of additive manufacturing.
CAS
Common Avionics System
This is a STAR acronym for our modular electronics stack devloped by Avionics and the associated missions to qualify it for flight. Usable for liquid engine control, radio, flight data monitoring, and pyrogen ignition.
CDR
Critical Design Review
A step of the NASA design review process intended to assess a final design and technical challenges that may occur in the fabrication and testing process.
CFD
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Using a computer to analyze the movement of a liquid in a specific instance. Common uses include engine propellant flow and wing lift analyses.
CNC
Computer Numeric Control
Basically, using a computer to control the motion of a manufacturing machine, most commonly a mill, lathe, or waterjet cutter. Sometimes used to describe additive manufacturing / 3D printing.
CONOPS
Concept of Operations
A time-sequenced description of the steps of a mission and how they are to be performed at a high level.
DAVE
Deployable Aerial Vehicle Experiment
A deployable glider payload intended to fly in a 6" diameter airframe, likely Bear Force One (see: BFO).
FEA (also FEM)
Finite Element Analysis or Modelling or Method
Using a computer program to calculate the strength of a mechanical part and its resistance to different load cases.
FRR (also MRR)
Flight/Mission Readiness Review
A step of the NASA design review process intended to assess a project's readiness for launch and evaluate the rigor of its design, construction, and testing.
GD&T
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
An engineering practice to precisely specify how a part should be shaped or constructed.
GM
General Meeting
Meeting of the entire club.
IREC (also SAC)
Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition or Spaceport America Cup
A custom rocket design competition run by ESRA.
LE1
Liquid Engine 1
A "simple" liquid engine test article designed to hotfire on an accelerated schedule
LE2
Liquid Engine 2
A more complex multi-year liquid engine project with the goal of producing a test article that is viable or close to viable for integration and flight.
NASA SL (also SLI, USLI)
NASA (University) Student Launch (Initiative)
The largest and most well-known collegiate rocketry competition. Run by NASA out of Marshall Space Flight Center, it follows the NASA design review process through the entire competition.
PDR
Preliminary Design Review
A step of the NASA design review process intended to assess a design's architecture and what problems may arise from it in very broad strokes.
PDM
Product Data Management
A tool used to keep track of revisions to data, files and other project-related information. Examples include Grabcad workbench and GitHub.
PLA
Polylactic Acid
Another very common 3D printing plastic.
PLAR
Post Launch Assessment Review
In STAR, this is a document filled out after a launch or major test reviewing whether we met mission goals and why/why not.
PRR
Production Readiness Review
A review of CAD, manufacturing drawings and other manufacturing artifacts like 3D printing toolpaths to ensure that parts are manufacturable and correctly toleranced.
SSEP
Stage Separation (Demonstrator)
STAR mission to develop and mature stage separation technology within the club.
SW
SolidWorks
A CAD and FEA tool with free educational licenses. It is our team's primary CAD software.
Don't underestimate how much work it can be to put these together
LOC kits can be found at https://locprecision.com/ and from resellers like Apogee.
LOC kits are are sold exclusively with cardboard/paper body tubes (although you can separately replace the tubes with phenolic). This is true of all diameters offered by LOC.
LOC offers standard laser-cut plywood fins and bulkheads/centering rings.
LOC kits come with plastic nose cones.
LOC kits tend to be cheaper than many competitors; this is partially a result of their somewhat less-robust materials. However, LOC kits also often include more "extras" at the same price point.
Many LOC kits include a parachute and flame protector (~$30+), which can simplify the buying process as they do not have to be bought separately (+ shipping!). Like other manufacturers, quick-links and swivels (optional) for recovery are not included.
As is the case with most kits, you will likely have to buy a motor retainer separately. You will also have to buy any motors you plan to fly and motor hardware (casing, closures) if applicable. Also factor in the cost of adhesives (epoxy or wood glue) into your planning.
In addition to selling individual components, Madcow offers a number of Madcow-designed-and-sold kits at https://www.madcowrocketry.com/kits/.
While Madcow carries kits in cardboard, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, the majority of L1-range Madcow kits use fiberglass body tubes, with a number of cardboard options as well. Larger kits in the L2 and L3 range tend to be made from composite (fiberglass or carbon fiber) body tubes, but Madcow does offer some cardboard 5.5" kits.
Madcow offers standard laser-cut plywood fins and bulkheads/centering rings with cardboard kits, and fiberglass fins and bulkheads/centering rings for fiberglass kits.
Fiberglass kits come with fiberglass nose cones, while cardboard kits come with plastic nose cones.
Madcow kits tend to be on the more expensive side, but this perception can be inflated by the greater number of fiberglass and carbon fiber products. Even at standard cardboard kit price points though, Madcow tends to include fewer (but often higher-quality) components. For example, Madcow kits usually ship with nylon shock cord while many competitors offer elastic shock cord on smaller rockets.
Madcow kits do not commonly include the cost of parachutes and flame protectors in the list price, which can make them seem deceptively cheaper (~$30+) than the actual cost of buying and flying the kit. Like other manufacturers, quick-links and swivels (optional) for recovery are not included.
As is the case with most kits, you will likely have to buy a motor retainer separately. You will also have to buy any motors you plan to fly and motor hardware (casing, closures) if applicable. Also factor in the cost of adhesives (epoxy or wood glue) into your planning.
Public Missiles has several categories of kits, but the most applicable for L1 and L2 fliers are the Sport Kits: https://publicmissiles.com/kits/sportfliers.
Public Missiles (PML) kits are almost exclusively offered with proprietary Quantum Tube (QT) airframes. PML markets QT as a more durable option than cardboard, but less brittle than phenolic. QT is not the same thing as Blue Tube (from Always Ready Rocketry).
PML kits come standard with G-10 fiberglass fins, although these are also much thinner than the common laser-cut plywood fins found on cardboard kits.
QT kits come with plastic nose cones.
[analysis needed]
A list of people allowed to purchase and fly high-power motors with lots of impulse
Some of the members listed below may no longer be with the team, but they are often available to help out in the #rocket-design channel!
These are smaller, primarily-online retailers who sell components for low-, mid- and high-power rocketry. Parts that exceed the bounds of hobby rocketry will have to be sourced separately.
Buy motors here. BAR is an on-site supplier at almost every NorCal launch.
Call beforehand to make sure your item is actually in stock (do not trust website), then order online for pickup at launch.
Increase your chances of getting your order by picking it up before launch, and ordering two weeks in advance.
Carries almost exclusively Aerotech motors.
Also carries motor hardware (casings, closures), although stock may be limited for closures and seal discs.
The on-site motor supplier for IREC. Sometimes comes up to TCC, but rarely as they are based in Arizona. Can order online, but careful with shipping fees.
Carries almost exclusively Cesaroni motors, although can source large Aerotech orders given enough lead time.
Like a Walmart of rocketry. They’ve got pretty much anything you need!
Nice rail buttons.
Original manufacturer of Blue Tube and potentially the cheapest source.
Offers custom cuts/slots in tubes (usually for fins).
Our best (only) source for fiberglass tubes and filament-wound nosecones.
Also sells quality fiberglass kits, albiet at a premium.
Their website sucks (seriously, was it built in the 50’s?).
We primarily buy: phenolic motor mounts, fiberglass nose cones
Also sell custom fiberglass fins (email for quote) and quite a bit more.
10% Discount Code: Email them, they give universities a discount
High quality parachutes (will pack lighter and smaller), but pricey.
15% Discount Code: BERKELEY-WS-2017-15
Less-expensive parachutes, but with lower Cd and fewer shroud lines
Good option for L1/L2 projects where personal costs incurred are a factor
Great source for Kevlar shock cord and flame protectors.
Also sells a variety of other recovery components and hardware.
These are the same electric matches available from BAR, but without the markup. Used for recovery.
Altimeters and GPS trackers for recovery/flight events, original manufacturer.
Non-Rocketry suppliers:
Altimeters and flight electronics, original manufacturer. More info on products at , separate from the online store.
Common hardware items like quick-links, swivels, and screws can often be found for cheaper at or --don't pay more if you can find them for less!
Name
Organization and Certification Level
Michael Celebrado
TRA L2
Aled Cuda
TRA L2
Elizabeth Gammariello
NAR L1
Rajiv Govindjee
NAR L1
Ilyas Kamil
NAR L2
Sean Pak
NAR L1
Jacob Posner
NAR L1
Aaron Togelang
NAR L1
Jenya Pryadkin
TRA L2
A brief synopsis of X-winder related bugs, issues, fixes, triumphs, defeats, etc. Essentially a log of what has been going on with the ol' winder.
Safety is an especially important consideration when it comes to rocketry. Safety first!
Many manufacturing teams work at the Richmond Field Station, a property owned by UC Berkeley and home to project teams and research groups with a need for space away from main campus. To work on STAR projects at the RFS, you must complete the RFS Safety Training and submit evidence of completion to us. See for details.
9/25/22
Installed all missing components, First operational tests of the x-winder, all axes move properly, all ready for first wet wind. Fabricated and installed a new cardboard mandrel with 3d printed hemispheres. This will not be sustainable, so a
8/28/22
Measured all missing parts from past cleanouts, checked dimensions for fabrications, discovered that in older tests, one dimension may have been too high, leading to failed 4 axis tests and gaps and inconsistencies.
7/24/22
Assembled x-winder, found that one driver likely burnt out due to excess amperage (26 amps instead of 2.6), counted any missing parts and purchased new epoxy, as the old 208 epoxy was expired, we opted for 824 epoxy to test strength.
9/15/18
Ran first tests of x-winder since being moved to the RFS.
9/22/18
Installed new 1/2 in shaft to hold mandrels: the old one was not straight and somewhat bendy.
9/22/18
Installed washers to the head of the arm to keep the tow line from slipping off and/or becoming cut/frayed.
9/29/18
Added grooves to a belt securing mechanism to stop belt slipping.
9/29/18
Removed large ~50 lb fiberglass tow spool and created a new smaller fiberglass spool to reduce stress/bending of the x-winder.
9/29/18
Discovered the physical effect of changing one of the dimensions in the software for a tube with rounded edges.
9/29/18
Purchased composite shrink tape for use in first epoxy+tow tube manufacture.
10/13/18
Essentially successful dry wind of first layer. For 2-axis winding the software was much easier to deal with and things like changing wind angle for each layer and doing a final pass are now known.
10/13/18
Terrible issues with the fiberglass filament spool becoming tangled, fraying, and ripping and stressing the x-winder. Tried to make a new spool of fiberglass but it kept failing. Switched to the carbon fiber spool and after a few test layers got it feeding filament nicely and at a consistent width.
10/13/18
Sweep head motor seems to have broken. Does not properly work and makes a terrible noise and overheats very quickly when in use. A new motor is needed to continue with the x-winder. A second possibility is the use of a circular sweep head similar to what the 2-axis winder uses.
10/27/18
Metal end-caps installed, friction fit with mandrel could be a little tighter but was functional. 3D-printed sweep head installed with no issues.
10/27/18
New sweep head motor ordered, tested, and installed. Attempted dry wind with carbon fiber, but motor was still becoming very hot to the touch. Lowered amperage, resulting in a slower process but motor did not overheat. Wind spacing was still too far apart.
10/27/18
Recommend replacing motor controller, as the sweep head motor itself is likely not the issue with respect to the overheating. Spaces between filament lines on the mandrel are still too large.
11/10/2018
Installed new axis controller. After a few dry winds everything seemed to be functioning properly - none of the motors were overheating.
11/10/2018
Completed first wet wind with 3 layers: 45-60-45 degrees, respectively. Both ends of the wind showed problems in the way that wind passes were done, however this can likely be fixed in the future. The 60 degree wind angle seemed to work better than the 45 degree. A release agent was applied to the mandrel before winding and shrink tape was added afterward, and was then hit with a heat gun for several minutes. The surface finish seemed to be quite good near the center of the tube where winding was done properly.
Sounds tasty
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, describes the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication. The term "amateur" is used to specify "a duly authorised person interested in radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest;"[1] (either direct monetary or other similar reward) and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire), or professional two-way radio services (such as maritime, aviation, taxis, etc.). --Wikipedia
Aled Cuda
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Jacob Posner
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Celine Veys
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Jenya Pryadkin
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When attending a high-power rocket launch, all members on site are required to attend the briefing given by the Range Safety Officer (usually before the range opens for launches). This briefing usually includes advice along the lines of:
If you are watching a rocket and notice it has failed to successfully deploy its recovery device (usually parachutes), point at it and alert those around you by yelling "HEADS" or similar. The same applies to rockets even with parachutes that are descending near people.
Do not approach the pads without an announcement from the RSO stating the range is open for loading and recovery.
Do not place an igniter in a rocket motor before the rocket is set up on the pad.
Do not arm altimeters until rocket is set up on the pad.
We also add the following STAR-specific rules, although a comprehensive list will be given by the STAR Safety Lead the day-of:
Non-essential personnel must stand at least 10 ft. radially away from the rocket while black powder (or other pyrogen) charges are present in the rocket.
All personnel must not stand along the axis of the rocket while charges are present in the rocket.
Minimal personnel permitted while handling pyrogens; all others must stand 10-12 ft. away and wear ANSI Z87+ safety glasses. Personnel with no PPE must remain at least 20 ft. away in all directions.
Personnel handling pyrogens must wear ANSI Z87+ rated safety glasses and a face shield.
Strongly recomment gloves (nitrile preferred) while handling epoxies. Deviation allowed only if gloves are not present / cannot reasonably be acquired.
Recommend gloves (nitrile preferred) while handling APCP as it can be a mild skin irritant.