Change of Rocket Type for N-Prize Launch Vehicle

Our launch vehicle for the N-Prize competition has four stages divided into two phases.  Phase II is a liquid rocket type using and equivalent to PR-1 and liquid oxygen.  Phase I is being changed from the solid rocket to what is called a hybrid rocket.  A hybrid rocket uses a mix of solid and liquid propellants.  Usually the oxidizer is the liquid and the fuel is the solid, though there are some configurations that are switched.  We will be using the conventional hybrid configuration using liquid oxygen for the oxidizer and a solid fuel mixture of PBAN, aluminum and sucrose.  This change is due to our long term plans now including a larger launch vehicle that requires a higher performance and more versatility than solid fuels can deliver.  This new configuration will come with additional complexities, but they will hopefully be offset by the safety of the system as well as the similarities of the oxidizer subsystem with Phase II.

Upper Stages Design Complete

We have finally been able to complete the design of the upper two stages of our launch vehicle for the N-Prize.  We had been considering hydrogen peroxide for the oxidizer instead of liquid oxygen, but decided on the LOx.  This happened when the complexities of obtaining hydroden peroxide in sufficient purity out weighed the advantages from not using cryogenics.  For a later design that requires a micro launch vehicle to be on stand by for long periods of time, the H2O2 would be used, but for this competition the rocket will not need to be sitting on its launch stand for much time.  We are also still seeking a source of funding to be able to construct the rocket and satellite.  If you are interested in either donating to this effort, please use the Donate button below.  You can contact us at will@williamsaerospaceandrobotics.com.