SFS News: Unreasonable Rocket -Notes and Video /Going for it

Paul Breed updates us with:

Going for it...


We are going to keep trying for at least another week. I’ve confirmed that the main valve had sensor clocking issues.


posted by Paul Breed at 8:54 AM


Notes and Video

(This post won’t make sense witout the previous one) After reviewing the data I think we have two problems. We have some kind of issue with te Motor and consistant throttlings. It may be as simple as having the magnetic sensor that monitors the throttle valve position be wrong/loose.

The second problem is a heavy weights it vibrates a lot more this is causing problems measuring the GPS velocity, feeding back into the target pitch/roll to hold position loop causing the osscilation you see at increasing amplitudes on the video.

No decision on plans for this year. I need to look carefully at the damage.

Here is the video of the fateful flight. (I found it very difficult to watch) I’m still not sure how a vent on top of the vehicle can spray peroxide everywhere when the tank is less than 1/2 full.

Good news we got data right up the the end of the flight, the remote commanded shutdown of the vehicle works, the tethers and vehicle structure worked as designed , and the peroxide cleaned most of the spilled purple menace off of the pad. (It also damaged the tether ropes enough that they need to be replaced)

Video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn7MTXBoVgE

posted by Paul Breed at 6:14 AM

Read more at http://unreasonablerocket.blogspot.com/

Please feel free to discuss this topic further...

I honestly don't feel H2O2 monoprops are a workable solution for a throttled engine. They're simple, but catalyst poisoning and clogging seems to be endemic to this species. I've yet to see any consistent non-sputtering designs...look at Armadillo's history with them...and what they are using today. Designs don't work differently because you're smarter, nicer, or have better "feelings" about them...they work...or they don't. Just my opinion.

Margot

Welcome to the Space Fellowship Margot!
Perhaps Paul will reveal his reasons to us soon

Thank you, Bob! I'd think it would be the basic simplicity (although almost nothing in the business is "simple").

Aerospace equipment (electronics, in particular, requires levels of "signal hygiene"...yet I still see many using consumer-grade workmanship, parts (especiallally connectors), and RFI/EFI/ESD problems in basic design and construction.

OT...I always get a chuckle when folks flip out when their COTS products zonk out in the aerospace environment...gee a Sony radio works on the beach...it must be able to work in a 18 G, vacuum, high radiation environment. I think that some think the first "C" stands for "Consumer"

awww...I'm a cranky old thang...and I wish the best for everyone making a jump towards the stars and the future with a solution!


M