Kate-3 system launched to over 188,000 feet

[VernK]

The Multitronix Kate-3 tracking system was used by Evolution Space on a test flight to over 188,000 feet. This was an S45000 single stage rocket. Kate-3 controlled all flight operations as well as providing GPS tracking and telemetry downlink. More information including a video and some photos is available here.

This test flight demonstrated the unlimited altitude capability in the Kate-3 GPS tracking system. The maximum altitude was measured by the Kate-3 TelemetryPro GPS to be 188,444 feet. This is above the 164,000 feet operating limit of other GPS tracking systems. Furthermore, the Kate-3 system maintained a continuous telemetry downlink data stream during the entire flight. No data packets were lost even at over 188,000 feet.

 

[OverTheTop]

Great outcome Vern .

I did notice a possible typo on the website via that link. I think Kate announced 120G during the flight but the website only says 20G peak acceleration.

 

[VernK]

I did notice a possible typo on the website via that link. I think Kate announced 120G during the flight but the website only says 20G peak acceleration.

Max acceleration was 20.3 G's. I think if you listen again, you will find that Kate says that too.

 

[OverTheTop]

My ears must be playing tricks on me. Are you sure? There is a bit of a pause between when Kate says "one" and "twenty point three gees" in the audio.

 

[jsdemar]

Here are some more photos and a video:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xekJPoNda3oAkGy1A

It was a pleasure meeting you and hanging out with you, Vern. Lots of fun going over the data to estimate the impact location. It's still out there under the lake bed somewhere.

 

[VernK]

My ears must be playing tricks on me. Are you sure? There is a bit of a pause between when Kate says "one" and "twenty point three gees" in the audio.

I am confused. I don't understand where the "one" is that you are hearing. At 2:03 in the raw audio playback posted on my web page, Kate says "Peak acceleration was 20.3G's". The exact same thing is said at 2:27 in the video. I never hear a "one" anywhere near the 20.3G announcement.

 

[tfish]

The peak acceleration..was..20.3 g's
The 'was' sort of sounds like..one...
I thought the same thing..120.3 G's

Tony

 

[VernK]

The 'was' sort of sounds like..one...

Thanks Tony. I guess since I know exactly what Kate intends to say, I just hear exactly that.

 

[OverTheTop]

Ok. Mystery sorted.

 

[VernK]

Here are some more photos and a video

Thanks John! I added your link to my web page. Much appreciated!

 

[JackC]

The Multitronix Kate-3 tracking system was used by Evolution Space on a test flight to over 188,000 feet. This was an S45000 single stage rocket. Kate-3 controlled all flight operations as well as providing GPS tracking and telemetry downlink. More information including a video and some photos is available here.

This test flight demonstrated the unlimited altitude capability in the Kate-3 GPS tracking system. The maximum altitude was measured by the Kate-3 TelemetryPro GPS to be 188,444 feet. This is above the 164,000 feet operating limit of other GPS tracking systems. Furthermore, the Kate-3 system maintained a continuous telemetry downlink data stream during the entire flight. No data packets were lost even at over 188,000 feet.

That roar of the rocket lifting off was AWESOME!!! I am now in a very happy place!

 

[VernK]

That roar of the rocket lifting off was AWESOME!!! I am now in a very happy place!

That launch was an "instant on" ignition too. I don't know what was used for the igniter but it sure worked well!

 

[JackC]

That launch was an "instant on" ignition too. I don't know what was used for the igniter but it sure worked well!

I need to get those guys to build me a rocket motor! When is their next mission?

 

[boomtube-mk2]

An S45000 motor.

Are those available at Hobby Lobby, because I have a 50% off coupon I want to use.

 

[VernK]

I need to get those guys to build me a rocket motor! When is their next mission?

Their next launch is in the coming months but not publicly announced yet.

 

[JackC]

Their next launch is in the coming months but not publicly announced yet.

Are they going to use Kate again? I hope you have an exclusive agreement with them!

 

[VernK]

Are they going to use Kate again? I hope you have an exclusive agreement with them!

YES

 

[jsdemar]

Their next launch is in the coming months but not publicly announced yet.

The next launch is scheduled and listed online, pending FAA COA. One only needs to know where to look. ;-)

 

[JackC]

YES

You have done well…

 

[GrouchoDuke]

Congrats!

 

[bad_idea]

The next launch is scheduled and listed online, pending FAA COA. One only needs to know where to look. ;-)

It's on the FAR calendar for May. Is there an FAA source too?

 

[JackC]

What is the range they intend to charge the microsat companies per launch?

 

[VernK]

What is the range they intend to charge the microsat companies per launch?

I do not know. I only provided the avionics. I am not involved with their business side of things.

 

[OzHybrid]

I do not know. I only provided the avionics. I am not involved with their business side of things.

Ballistic recovery is kind of hard on avionics. Hope they're paying for Kate...... Came in at over the lockout speed 1700ft/sec Mach 1.5. Says the nosecone failed to separate. Did the charges fire? Or was it non pyro ejection?

 

[VernK]

Ballistic recovery is kind of hard on avionics. Hope they're paying for Kate...... Came in at over the lockout speed 1700ft/sec Mach 1.5. Says the nosecone failed to separate. Did the charges fire? Or was it non pyro ejection?

Yes, they purchased custom avionics from Multitronix.

The pyro release device was fired but there was a mechanical failure that prevented nosecone release. The problem has been identified and fixed for the next flight.

 

[FredA]

We all still think Kate should scream for her life on the way to a core sample.

 

[jsdemar]

We all still think Kate should scream for her life on the way to a core sample.

Or calmly say "Five seconds to self destruct".*

(* From Andromeda Strain.)

 

[rfjustin]

We all still think Kate should scream for her life on the way to a core sample.

Bwahahaha! Call it a value-add feature.

 

[OzHybrid]

Bwahahaha! Call it a value-add feature.

It's just a voice clip assembly. Don't see why it couldn't be a user selected choice. Bit like the bomb in Dark Star. In the beginning there was darkness...... Let there be light......... Go on Vern. Make it so number 1.....

 

[OzHybrid]

Yes, they purchased custom avionics from Multitronix.

The pyro release device was fired but there was a mechanical failure that prevented nosecone release. The problem has been identified and fixed for the next flight.

Was any of the onboard footage recovered? Report that you posted said they had not located the impact site.

Seems that not getting the laundry out is the largest point of failure for all amateur rocketry. Might be useful if Tripoli or NAR had some basic guidelines on specific parachutes in specific tube sizes with specific nosecone fits at specific temperatures with specific material choices for both tube and nosecone that work..... What's the temperature at 188K ft