Two-Stage , High-Altitude Rocket with Internal Skeleton Design Entered in Advance Category of 7 th ESRA IREC

A high-altitude, two-stage rocket was designed, built, and entered in the advanced category of the 7 th Annual Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) Intercollegiate Rocketry Engineering Competition (IREC). The rocket, called AJAKS, featured an internal skeleton made of carbon fiber rods, and a combination of plywood, carbon, and aluminum bulkheads. Loads were driven through the internal structure, with an outer skin tube providing an aerodynamic surface. A unique separation device was developed to ensure proper stage separation. The competition required the rocket to carry a 10-lb payload, which was chosen by the team to consist of an IMU and data logging computer for recording the descent profile, a CubeSat test unit, and a digital video recorder. Prior to the competition launch, AJAKS was test launched on May 5 th in the Mojave at the Friends of Amateur Rocketry (FAR) launch facility. During the test launch AJAKS suffered a PIRM malfunction and the main parachute did not deploy. Following the test launch, the second stage of the rocket was rebuilt with a stronger payload configuration. The ESRA IREC was held on June 21 st to the 24 th . AJAKS was launched on the 23 rd and during ascent the second stage became unstable and reached an altitude of only 6,000 ft. Both stages suffered damage upon landing.