TESLA Rocket
Project
11/4/15
Page 1
1) Schedule
2) Launch Performance & other stuff
Page 2
UPDATED Project Task Summary
1. Program Management:
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Completion of the program on time and on budget
Competition Requirements Summary
Schedule Development & Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne Grant Proposal
Project Finances
Fund Raising
Logistics
Competition Coordination
Support rocket build
2. Systems Engineering:
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Prop valve actuator mechanism design
Rocket mass properties estimation & tracking
Flight performance analysis
Stability analysis
Requirements management
Aerodynamic drag estimation
Provide analysis support to other teams
Support rocket build
3. Recovery:
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Page 3
Recovery system requirements development
Recovery system concept development
Fab parachute & recovery hardware
Develop recovery logic
Support rocket build
4. Engine / Feed System:
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Define rotary actuator requirements
Upgrade ground test stand (propellant valves)
Develop a new ignition system design
Test stand calibration
Engine test conductor
Flight feedsystem & valve actuator design
Support rocket build
5. Structure:
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Fabricate composite fins
Fabricate composite nose cone
Fabricate LOX tank
Support rocket build
6. Launch Rail:
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Design launch tower
Fab launch tower
Design & Fab launch lugs
Tower test
Support rocket build
Rotary actuator attachment
7. Avionics, S/W, Telemetry:
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Select rotary actuator
Rotary actuator drive electronics
Valve position feedback electronics
Valve driver
Thruster valve control software
Recovery system electronics & S/W
Telementry system design & fab
Support rocket build
Example Top Level Schedule
Page 4
Total Impulse and ISP (Specific Impulse)
Ref(s):
Sutton, G, “Rocket Propulsion Elements, 6th Ed.”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, New York.
Page 5
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/rocket/shortr.html
TESLA Rocket
• Mdot total =
0.445
lb/sec
• Mdot Fuel =
0.194
lb/sec
• Mdot OX =
0.252
lb/sec
• Qdot Fuel =
6.361
in^3/sec
• Qdot Ox =
6.106
in^3/sec
• Isp = 239 sec
What is the thrust of our engine?
{F = Isp * Mdot}
Page 6
Launch Rail Preliminary Requirements
Launch Requirements
• 100 FPS at release of first launch lug, we could justify 80 fps
• 40’ length for starters
• Minimize tip-off – No addition launch force applied at point where launch lugs release
Currently need ~180’
launch rail if we rely on the
liquid engine alone!
What do we do to achieve
additional velocity?
Page 7
Launch Simulation
Page 8
Launch Simulation
Page 9