Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Charles Pringle, PE

Second Committee Member

Charles Pringle, PE

Third Committee Member

Mr. Chris Berkshire

Abstract

NASA Student Launch Initiative gave a requirement that a lander must descend to the ground from a height of 400-800 feet with predetermined human survivability without using parachute or streamers. Around sixty colleges were chosen from around the United States to compete in competition. This competition and data taken will help innovate the rocket and lander programs in full scale space exploration in the future.

Design of the payload involved intensive design, testing and aerodynamic analysis. Majority of the manufacturing revolved around 3D printing, aluminum 5051 sheet and carbon fiber vacuum bagging. PLA and PETG was used on components which gave the payload unique shapes and functions due to the versatility of 3D printing. Aluminum 5051 sheet was waterjet cut and formed to make mounts, which secured the airfoils to body of payload. SolidWorks was used religiously to make sure fitment of components to themselves and within the body tube of the rocket. These processes came together in the form of a gyrocopter with eight airfoil blades generating lift to decelerate the payload to specified rate.

There were multiple ejections tests which resulted in controlled retentions and ejection to prove the payload would decelerate to the ground with human survivability. The airfoils were able to withstand the forces of the payload mass of nine pounds as well as the forces of being ejected from 450 feet. Which concludes that the payload efficiently follows all requirements given by the NASA Student Launch Initiative.

Keywords: NASA, Payload, Gyrocopter

Download

Share

COinS