USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
New Mexico State University
Rocket Overview ............................................................................................................................3
Vehicle Summary ...........................................................................................................................3
Data analysis & results of vehicle ....................................................................................................3
Payload Summary ..........................................................................................................................4
Data analysis & results of payload ..................................................................................................4
Scientific Value...............................................................................................................................5
Visual data observed ......................................................................................................................5
Lessons Learned .............................................................................................................................7
Summary of overall experience ......................................................................................................7
Education Engagement Summary....................................................................................................8
Budget Summary............................................................................................................................9
Page | 2

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies New Mexico State University
Team Name:
Rocket Name:
Atomic Aggies
El Chile Guerito
Motor Used: L800 – Cesaroni
Payload Description:
Rocket Height:
Rocket Diameter:
Rocket Mass:
SMD
117”
5.5”
35.4 lbs
Altitude Reached:
5200 feet
The construction of the sub-scaled rocket greatly contributed to the design of the full scale.
During the construction of the sub-scale we were able to pin point hazardous areas of the build, both in the proper use of our PPE as well as certain pitfalls to be aware of in the correct orientation of all components of the rocket body. The final rocket was constructed of 5.5 inch blue tube with wooden finset. The final rocket length was 117”. The coupler sections as well as the motor mount were also made of blue tube. We sanded and painted the exterior body of the vehicle and believe it was an immense help in curbing the tendencies of blue tube to absorb moisture and warping. During the competition we experienced zero warping in any of the painted and finished sections. The only section that did alter shape a bit was the payload section, due to it being bare blue tube; however a short sanding treatment remedied this. The finset did experience one failure in one of the four landings. On the second landing we noticed that a fin was loose, upon closer inspection we found another fin was coming loose. We removed, sanded and reinstalled two of the three fins. The final element of construction was the nose cone, and that was made of polycarbonate. Unlike the fins, this sustained zero damage during every launch.
The hardest part of the design process was choosing the correct motor to get us to our target altitude. Many simulations were run and a few different fin sizes were virtually tested before we settled upon the final motor. Finally, the full-scale tests were run and after every run, the data collected was incorporated into our flight simulation program “ Rocksim “ to further fine-tune our design. Incorporating every launch altitude into Rocksim allowed us to pinpoint a drag coefficient for our simulated design and the adjustment for altitude and humidity differences, thus allowing us to adjust our real rocket to the proper weight needed for that particular motor selection. In the end, we stayed within 80 feet of our target. Final corrections to Rocksim were made after the final launch to identify our lower altitude. We found that our drag coefficient was off by a hundredth. With this correction in the drag coefficient we would have been fourteen feet of our target and can say with confidence that our design methodology.
Page | 3

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
New Mexico State University
During the competition at the Braggs Farm in Toney, Alabama we had a successful flight characterized by an apogee of 5200 feet and a safe recovery. The graphs in the visual data section show the data recorded for the primary and secondary altimeters. We were only 80 feet under our mile-high goal, which is commendable, given the differences in altitude and humidity.
Our rocket landed about 500 yards away from the viewing audience, as determined from our
GPS records.
The payload consisted of sensors to measure solar irradiance, ultraviolet radiation, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity, which were the requirements for the scientific mission directorate (SMD) payload. The payload had a video camera on board as well as three micro video cameras mounted to the fin set to record video throughout the flight of the rocket. A GPS unit was included to provide tracking to aid in vehicle recovery. The DE0-Nano FPGA
Development and Educational Board were used to control data collection operations and provide data logging for transmission.
Due to problems with the StratoLogger altimeter that was used to trigger data collection we did not receive data records when the rocket reached apogee for the remainder of the flight and ten minutes after landing. The altimeter would go through all previous data flight and battery voltage as it should then after it would not have the continuous beep saying there was continuity.
Therefore the DE-0 Nano board was getting the signal for apogee as soon as the board was turned on so it was collecting and storing data right away when on the ground. After the thirteen minute loop was up, the transmitter started transmitting the data but this information was unusable because it was all ground data. After the rocket was fully assembled on launch day, students were taking the rocket to the final inspection and all of a sudden the altimeter signaled continuity by having the continuous beep. Due to the fact that we did not have external access to the reset switch on the DE-0 Nano board we could not reset the board for data collection. If there was access to the reset switch we would have been able to reset the board after the altimeter had signaled continuity and we would have been able to collect and store data once apogee was reached for the remainder of the flight and ten minutes after landing. This data would have been successfully transmitted to the ground station for further analysis. For future flights external access to the reset switch on the Nano board will be incorporated into the design.
Page | 4

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
New Mexico State University
The payload objective was to fulfill the requirements of the direction of the Science Mission
Directorate (SMD). The Atomic Aggie Rocket (El Chile Guerito – The White Chile) contained a scientific payload that measured air pressure, air temperature, air relative humidity, solar irradiance and ultraviolet radiation once apogee was reached for the remainder of the flight and ten minutes after landing. There was a transmitter onboard to relay the data gathered from the sensors, stored on the DE-0 Nano board. The payload also contained a video camera and a GPS to help locate the rocket which contained its own transmitter and receiver pair. There were also three micro video cameras mounted to the fin set for redundant surveillance.
Page | 5

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
New Mexico State University
Page | 6

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies New Mexico State University
Our biggest challenge in this whole project was communication between team member and mentors. Communication of changes to design which affected the rockets performance characteristics is an area that must be improved. One important lesson learned from the experience for the payload team would be to make sure we conserve battery power and make sure power is available when we need it. The range on the GPS transmitter was enough but because we had only used a wire for an antenna instead of a real antenna, we were short on transmission range. The data transmission with the XBee 900 MHz transceiver worked fine.
Overall, we gained extensive and worthwhile knowledge in the world of rocketry. For most of
Page | 7

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies New Mexico State University our team, this was their first time designing and launching a rocket. The whole experience was quite beneficial. We learned many valuable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, dedication, technical writing, and presentation skills. The value of working on this project was immeasurable. The benefits from the experience gained during this project will have an impact on us in coming years as we progress in both our personal lives and careers.
Overall, the Atomic Aggies were able to interact with about 150 students ranging from third grade to eight grades.
The first event we did was with the Boys and Girls club of Las Cruces, the Atomic Aggies engaged roughly 45 students where we made film canister rockets. In doing this we discussed the science behind the propellant necessary for the rocket to launch. Using different amounts of vinegar and baking soda caused for greater propellant and helped the students learn which chemical reaction would work the best.
The last educational engagement took place at Lynn Middle Schools local science night. At this event there were 105 students. We discussed STEM related disciplines for the students and how they can get into the STEM field. Along with this we did a rocket balloon experiment with the students that allowed them to figure which type of line would propel it faster, the volume of air necessary, and the type of balloon would cause it to reaches its destination the quickest. All the engagements were a success and we were able to reach a good amount of students.
Page | 8

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
Description
Iris Ultra 96" Parachute
Rail Buttons
Drogue Chute
StratoLogger Altimeter
Black Powder
Batteries
Nomex Chute Protectors
1/2” Shock Cord
Shock Cords Protector
Electronics Bay
Toggle Switches
Chute Protector
5/8” Shock Cord
7ft. Chute
Rotary Switch
Description
DE0-Nano
Mini Camera
Video Camera
Perfectflight Altimeter
Temperature
Pressure Sensor
Humidity Sensor
XBee USB (Receiver)
Xbee Explorer(Receiver)
BRB 900 GPS Transmitter
BRB 900 GPS LCD module
900MHz Duck Antenna
Interface Cable
Batteries
Battery Power Pack
Fiberglass Sheets
Plywood
Page | 9
New Mexico State University
Quantity
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
4
2
4
1
20
1
2
Quantity
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
24
Unit Cost
240
3.07
45
Cost
240
6.14
45
71
20
142
20
2.5 5
6.37 12.74
1.1 26.4
12.95 51.8
54.95 109.9
0.88 3.32
17.69 17.69
1.4 28
72.5
3.65
72.5
7.3
Unit Cost Cost
59 59
8.51 25.53
125
71
20
125
71
20
37.45 74.9
11.47 34.41
24.95 24.95
9.95
329
69
7.95
4.95
9.95
329
69
15.9
4.95
2.5
42
5
42
104.25 104.25
32 32

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
UV/IR Sensors
Op-amp
RF shielding
Memory Cards
Misc. (resistors, cables, etc.)
Description
RockSim
Nose Cone
Centering Rings
Tube coupler
Bulkhead
Quick Links
Body Tube
Rail Button
G-10 Sheets
Aeropoxy Adhesive
Fiberglass Cloth
Motor Mount
Motor P75-3G-RL
Fin Set
Description
C6-3 Value Pack
C6-3 Value Pack
Courier Model Rocket Pack
Igniter Pack
Pressure Sensor
Humidity/Temp Sensor
P75-W Wrench
Gloves
Nitrile Gloves
Respirator
Safety Glasses Pack
Half-Scale Airframe
Half-Scale Airframe
Half-Scale Airframe
Half-Scale Nosecone
Half-Scale Coupler
Page | 10
2
1
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
Quantity
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
New Mexico State University
42
4.49
84
4.49
22.74 22.74
4.31 12.93
75 75
Quantity
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
2
3
1
Unit Cost Cost
149.35 149.35
59.65 59.65
7 35
55.95 55.95
15.01 15.01
3.75
56.95/ft.
4.43
30
15
227.8
8.86
90
42.75 42.75
9.05
35
9.05
35
190 190
72.01 72.01
Unit Cost Cost
88.81 177.62
64.33 64.33
290.63 290.63
22.49 22.49
19.99 19.99
16.93 16.93
42 42
22.97 114.85
4.98 4.98
19.97 19.97
47.82 47.82
8.35
6.95
7.3
16.7
6.95
7.3
18.85 18.85
3.75 7.5

USLI PDR
Atomic Aggies
Half-Scale Center RI Airframe
Half Scale motor
Alt15K Altimeter
Motor H123W-M RMS
Motor H54J-M RMS
Key Chain Camera
Composite Mixing Set
Food
Hotel
Gas
Van Rental
Motor P75-3G-RL
DE0-Nano
Video Camera
Temperature
Pressure Sensor
Humidity Sensor
Batteries
UV/IR Sensors
Op-amp
RF shielding
Parallax GPS Receiver
RXM-SG GPS Module
Battery Power Pack
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
10
2
1
1
New Mexico State University
6.95 6.95
59.95 59.95
79.95 159.9
32
39
32
39
14.99 74.95
6.13 6.13
556 556
2147.52 2147.52
400 400
800
190
59
800
380
177
125
20
37.45
125
20
74.9
11.47 34.41
2.5 25
13.1
4.49
26.2
4.49
22.74 22.74
79.99 79.99
79.99 79.99
42 84
Page | 11