Acceleron V modelling

This weekend we spent a bit of time modeling Acceleron V to scale in 3DS Max in order to figure out the spacial relationships of the new release mechanism and the position of the staging mechanism. We now have a clear idea how to build the base support mechanism and what clearances are needed. The images below include the second stage, although the colour scheme will most likely be different.

The length of the second stage has not been determined yet but will be such that the entire two stage rocket is stable in flight.

The rocket is designed to be launched from our drop away booster launcher.


Detail of the release mechanism and the location of the staging pod. The pod contains one of our flight computers and uses a standard 9mm Gardena release mechanism to release the second stage. Depending on the length of the second stage, the pod can be moved further up the rocket.


Fabrication of the booster segments continues, and we now have a materials list for the release mechanism so we can start construction on that as well. The staging pod is already finished. I'll post actual build pictures next time.

We've also been preparing our rockets for the next NSWRA launch day. There are no major new rocket changes although there are some experiments we want to run in getting more stable descent video as well as flying the whistling nozzle. After the last crash the Axion rocket has been rebuilt.
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