Second stage release test with low pressure
August 3 2004,
The first flight of the two stage rocket. It is a combination of the the 9L and 3L rocket with a
pressurized tube release mechanism.
The first flight is a test of this release mechanism and a test of the stability
of the combined rocket. With VCP it was found that the CP-CG distance is only 1.5 and this is not much for this size of a rocket.
Pressure used with this test is 80 psi. With the simulator i found an expected height of 119 meters.
Because of the length of the rocket it is hard to let it point straight up, rocket hangs to a side. Next time i have to
figure out a way to hold the rocket straight up in launch position.
Launch was good, a notable slower start caused by the lower pressure and higher weight. Rocket went up stable under an angle of
about 80 degrees. The second stage release was ok, the second stage separated with a popping sound and a little cloud of droplets
The second stage release speed was a bit lower then expected, so a tune up of the release mechanism is in place.
The second stage went up nicely. Second stage chute release was ok, but first stage chute did not employ.
I think the chute was blown back in the top of the booster by the second stage as it released.
This is other planned improvement for the second flight.