Run Away To Mars - Post Flight Report

[jcampb81]

This past Saturday (6/10/23), I launched my latest rocket, “Run Away to Mars”, a LOC Big Nuke 3E on a Loki K960 at the ROSCO Launch in Dalzell, SC. My fiancé got this kit for me for Christmas 2022, after my standard Big Nuke came in ballistic during my first L2 attempt in November of 2022 at the same location with an SU AT K535 using motor ejection. (My fault, not AT’s)

After my rocket came in ballistic in November, I made up my mind that I would build the “same” rocket again and prove to myself that I could recover it successfully. I say ‘same’ because I ended up going for the Big Nuke 3E over the standard Big Nuke since I wanted to try my hand at dual deployment.

I built the 3E stock, sans 3 things: I ended up sandwiching each of the 3 fins between 6oz fiberglass; I traded the included drogue chute for the Cert 3 Drogue from Sky Angle; and I designed and implemented my own ‘Removable Nose Weight System.’

The electronics for this rocket were an Eggtimer Quasar for the primary and an RRC3 @2sec delay and @500ft for the backup. Both worked perfectly and the rocket was recovered ~800ft from the flight line and ~450ft from the pad (According to Quasar GPS). Sims, with forecasted weather, showed a ~456ft walk from the pad for recovery, so I am extremely happy with that; although, that was probably more of a coincidence than planning, as you will see from the ‘Sim vs Measured’ graph below.

What I’m Happy With

· My Dad getting his L1 Certification with his rocket

· Experience with fiberglass layups

· Experience beveling fins using handheld router (Only had to order 1 extra fin )

· First 54mm Reloadable

· Nominal, straight flight

· Successful recovery with first attempt at electronic, dual deployment

· Experience with GPS tracking

What I Can Improve

· Fiberglass layups

· Beveling fins

· More organized E-bay

· Paint finish

· Measured vs Sim accuracy (or at least an RCA on why the discrepancy)

What my Fiancé is Happy With

· Less time in the garage now that it has flown. She swears I spend all my time down there just staring at it. (Only 10% true). Plus, I have a TV down there and the Braves just happen to play at the same time

Shoutouts and Credits

· Photos: Wes Munn

· Motor: @Loki Research Enough said

· Electronics: @cerving at Eggtimer and the Missleworks team. (Shoutout to Stacy W. for assembling my Quasar and coaching me on LiPo batteries)

· Secret Santa 2022 for providing me my 75mm retainer, 75-54mm Aeropack adapter, and all nomex.

· Shoutout to @cwbullet and company for hosting a 1st class launch as always. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a Rocketry SC launch in Dalzell, I suggest you make it a point of emphasis. Perfect field that flies all year round. The 6 hour trip from SE Tennessee is worth it for me.


P.S. If I missed tagging anybody (I don’t know everybody’s RF handle) or if anybody wants to be removed, send me a PM and I’ll make sure you get credit

 

[jcampb81]

Also shout to @stickershock23 for all my decals! Every HPR I’ve ever flown, the decals have come from him

 

[Hobie1dog]

it was great talking to you and your family on Saturday.

 

[jcampb81]

it was great talking to you and your family on Saturday.

You as well. I hope you announce when and where you decide to do your L3 so we can try and make it to the launch.

 

[Hobie1dog]

You as well. I hope you announce when and where you decide to do your L3 so we can try and make it to the launch.

It will be in Dalzell with it being such a wide open flying field.