A team of students from Wrocław University of Science and Technology at Spaceport America Cup 2019
On 18-22 June a team of students from Wrocław University of Science and Technology in Space took part in the 14th edition of the Spaceport America Cup 2019 competition organized by Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) in New Mexico.
As part of the PoliWRocket project, the "Ninety Nine" R3 rocket with hybrid drive, built by the team took 4th place out of 124 teams from 14 different countries.
This is the third design of the rocket prepared by students. They have already constructed a rocket propelled by solid fuel and a hybrid engine, which have already been tested during flights in the Błędowska Desert and the military training ground in Drawsko Pomorskie.
The rocket created as a part of the project climbed to a height of 4200 metres. Radio communication, remote refuelling and telemetry devices worked flawlessly. The parachute opened up perfectly at the highest altitude reached, but the ropes tangled, causing some problems. The malfunction led to minor damage, but this did not compromise the excellent result.
During the competition, the following aspects of the projects were evaluated:
- timeliness and completeness of technical reports sent throughout the year,
- the implementation of the design assumptions,
- flight,
- condition of the rocket after completing the flight.
Congratulations! We wish you further successes!
