New Mexico Tech Students launch rocket through sound barrier and to 24,000 foot altitude
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On Sunday, April 15 at 7:05 AM MDT, The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) Rocket Team launched the latest of its student rockets from the Spaceport America Vertical Launch Area. The rocket was developed jointly by NMT and White Sands Research and Developers(WSRDs), a Las Cruces certified Woman Owned Small Business specialized in aerospace R&D. The rocket, called the Mustang VI-B, is 10.9 feet long and 6.1 inches in diameter and used a commercial solid rocket motor to soar to 24,127 ft. The maximum speed during the launch, 1372 feet per second or Mach 1.27, was well into the supersonic range. The rocket is reusable and can be processed and reflown rapidly. | ||
Mustang 6B Rocket Launch, April 15, 2018 | ||
After reaching its apogee of 24,127 ft mean sea level the rocket deployed its recovery system, and landed very close to the predicted impact point. It was recovered intact. Promptly after recovery, the students downloaded the recorded performance data for verification of performance and comparison with pre-launch predictions, where it was discovered that the maximum speed differed from WSRDs' AeroACES software prediction by just 4 feet per second. | ||
"It is gratifying to see the hard work of the students pay-off with such a spectacular success. We look forward to future launches. We greatly appreciate the support from Spaceport America and White Sands Research and Developers." | ||
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WSRDs commemorated the Mustang 6B mission with a mission patch developed by | ||
"I congratulate the Tech students and Dr. Hargather on their success. The partnership with Spaceport America has resulted in four launches with each being more ambitious than the previous. These students will be fine additions to America's aerospace workforce." | ||
Students working on the project consisted primarily of junior and senior students from NMT's Design Clinic courses. NMT's students have been building and flying rockets as part of the Design Clinic since 2012 and have partnered with WSRDs since 2014. These students developed most of the on-board systems including the separation, recovery, and data acquisition systems. WSRDs developed the aerodynamic components including the aero-shell, nosecone, and fins. | ||
"It's the culmination of everyone's hard work and dedication to a common goal. To succeed with flying colors like this is the best possible scenario we could have asked for." | ||
We thank you for your continued support of Spaceport America. For more information, please contact Spaceport America at +1 (575) 267-8500 or info@spaceportamerica.com |
