We are currently participating in the N-Prize, which is a competition to launch a micro satellite into orbit. The micro satellite must have a mass from 9.99 grams to 19.99 grams and must orbit a minimum of nine times staying above 99.99 kilometers in altitude. Also, the entire launch, including the micro satellite, must cost no more than 999.99 British Pounds, which is between $1500 and $1600 American. In the words of the organizers, this is "very nearly impossible."
The launch vehicle is being custom designed for this competition with the intention of later using an enhanced version to launch slightly larger payloads for universities with aerospace programs. The rocket is four stages, two hybrid and two liquid. Our first test fires are coming soon, and videos will be available shortly thereafter. Please feel free to check out the official website at http://www.n-prize.com/.
Our rocket is designed to carry more than twice the maximum mass allowed for the satellite, so we will be building two separate satellites to launch together, but work individually to conform to the competition guidelines. One will be a basic cube with only enough equipment to broadcast a repeating signal to allow for tracking. The other will be a fully functional platform with traditional subsystems that will be able to determine its orbit and communicate with ground control. We are unsure at this time if we will be able to have a small propulsion subsystem to adjust the orbit if needed, though that is our goal.
