ASGP: Sounding Rocket

The Alaska Space Grant Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

 

Introduction:
Student Rocket Project (SRP 5)
My first projects at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks were with the Alaska Space Grant program. I worked first on the final stages of Student Rocket Project 5 (SRP 5) which studied the D-region of the ionosphere. Specifically, I worked on electronics packaging, systems integration and testing before assisting the team with final assembly and launch at Poker Flat Rocket Range.

This launch was in conjunction with NASA which provided expertise, facilities and our launch vehicle (an improved Orion booster). This project provided a great opportunity to develop fabrication skills while learning about modeling, design and troubleshooting from senior team members.

*Click any photos to make them larger
(Thanks to Thomas Kircher for such awesome photos) 

Confirming electronics package operation. The booster, not yet attached, brings total length to over 20 feet
Photo Credit: Ben Kellie

Here I am standing with the payload after electronics testing.
Photo Credit: Todd Paris, University of Alaska Fairbanks

The payload strapped down in preparation for booster attachement
Photo Credit: Thomas Kircher

Launch from Poker Flat Research Range
Photo Credit: Thomas Kircher

Rocket rising to apogee
Photo Credit: Thomas Kircher

The day of the launch at Poker Flat was a bitterly cold 60 degrees below zero. We stood safely at a distance of over 1 mile. The rocket successfully rose to over 100 kilometers (about 62 miles).