...
After the successful manufacturing and launch of Phoenix in January 2023, the team created goals for the next Spaceshot rocket, Project Medusa. One of the Medusa goals are to get halfway to space (~185,000 feet). Due to the performance of Angry Goat in Project Phoenix, it was clear that a new propellant was necessary to fit the project's goals. Initial propellant formulas were developed in spring 2023, and characterization tests occurred throughout summer 2023. Lack of AP access slowed down the process in late summer 2023-mid winter 2024. Deimos is just barely pourable enough to be considered easily handled. Any more dense and it would not be pourable and would need to be packed. General ISP in simulated optimized motors are 210s.
Goals for this formula:
- Higher packing density than Angry Goat, but not so dense it becomes difficult to pour like Cherry Limeade
- Higher ISP than Angry Goat
...
| Ingredient | % Mass |
|---|---|
| HTPB w/ CAO-5 & HX-752 | 11.369% |
| IDP | 5.344% |
| PDMS | .050% |
| 5 µ Al Powder | 9% |
| 200 µ Ammonium Perchlorate | 48.355% |
| 90 µ Ammonium Perchlorate | 24.178% |
| MDI | 1.704% |
Performance and Combustion Properties
Density: 0.059740 lbs/in^3
a: 0.020550 in/s
n: 0.376100
Typical ISP: 210s
Mixings
| Date | Designation | Motor(s) | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/17/23 | Baja Blast | Characterization Motors | RT Lab | Resulted in too low pressures |
| 7/23/23 | Blue Voltage | Characterization Motors | RT Lab | Acceptable grain; static fired and used for characterization |
| 12/5/23 | Deimos | Characterization Motors | RT Lab | Same result as 7/23/23 mix |
...