Launch Report: Estes Logo Model Rocket

Date: 2024-05-30

Background

• This is maiden launch of this rocket

On Site Preparations

• I did not use any wadding for this rear eject spool design. There’s simply no room.
• For a parachute I used a 18” Nylon chute.
• This launch will use a E20-4W Composite motor. This is Aerotech’s “White Lightning” propellant which.
• The supplied Aerotech igniter was used.
• The rocket was slid onto the 5/16" launch rod and the controller wires were attached to the igniter leads.

Launch

• Wind was out of the East and was about 4 mph at the most.
• John stated the sky was clear - launch site was clear and did the countdown: 5-4-3-2-1. Teresa pushed the button on the launch controller.
• The motor ignited and the rocket leaped off the pad. It flew stable upward but then went unstable heading toward the South where it ground hit, 128 feet South of the launch horse. The delay was still burning, and the rocket ejected its chute.

Condition of rocket after the flight

• The rocket was uninjured and flight ready.

Conclusions

• This rocket has a calculated stability of 0.059 calibers. With the base drag hack it has a calculated stability of 1.16. 
• A string swing test was performed and the rocket passed that test.

What I learned

• There must be some other phenomenon affecting the flight of this rocket?
• Post flight discussions on The Rocketry Forum have lead me to modify this rocket, adding spin tabs to the fins which will induce roll stabilization. This rocket will fly again.

Link To Build Thread: https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/lakeroadsters-estes-logo-rocket.180084/