Adams' Rocketry Workshop

aerospaceandrocket
Nov 19
2 min read

With the start of a new year for the society, we have launched a new initiative. Thanks to Adam Hu, our dedicated secretary, we now have a workshop course for those who wish to be introduced to Rocketry! It bridges the gap between zero rocketry knowledge and a launch in a matter of weeks, allowing participants to understand model rocketry design and safety, making use of OpenRocket and 3D Printing.

The Workshop

Teams started off each with a kit model rocket, but had the freedom to design their own 3D printed fins and electronics to board their rocket. To ensure the designed fins were suitable, Adam taught each participant how to use OpenRocket to verify the stability of the design.

With all designs verified, it was time to assemble the rockets, make some circuits and print some fins. Some teams came up with unusual fin designs, with one even backwards to what you would expect.

These are the kinds of smiles rocketry can bring.

The Launches

The first set of launches happened on the 2nd of November at the East Anglican Rocketry Society. With 6 teams launching it was a great success, especially as 5 rockets were recovered intact!

Each launch is done by placing the rocket onto a launch rail, and connecting sparkers to the inside of the black-powder motors. This is then activated with a very long cable to maintain a safe distance.