[SS2S-Main] Sugar Shot Weekly Activity Report -- Feb.10-17, 2014

From: Richard Nakka <richard.rocketry@xxxxxxxxx>
To: sugarshot@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2014 10:52:07 -0600
Highlights of recent developments on the DoubleSShot project

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- Rick Maschek reported that this weekend's search for the balloon launch
payload, including humanoid robot Cosma, was successful. The balloon had
been launched last Sunday, however, the initial search attempt came up
empty handed due to the payload having landed in mountainous terrain.
Touchdown predictions made by Rick, Richard and the Citrus College team
helped narrow the search zone. Rick's estimate turned out to be the
closest, with the touchdown site being located 1290 metres SW of Rick's
prediction. Cosma data was downloaded and sent to Markus for review.

  Cosma waiting patiently:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn9798a.jpg

  Photo taken by Cosma prior to liftoff of the balloon:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/image00.jpg

   Inflating balloon:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn9819a.jpg

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn9828a.jpg

   Wind picking up:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn9846a.jpg

   Just after release:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn9849a.jpg

   Cosma in flight:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn9851a.jpg

(photos courtesy Rick Maschek/Cosma)



-The planned firing of the 4-grain DD-slot motor has been postponed until
Saturday March 1st, due to Rick Maschek's unavailability this past weekend
due to an unexpected commitment. Rick reported that the motor is all set to
go and has supplied photos:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn0051a.jpg

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn0052a.jpg

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/dscn0053a.jpg

(photos courtesy Rick Maschek)



-The VIC-2B rocket motor preparation manual has been uploaded to the
documentation page of our website:

http://sugarshot.org/documentation_old.html



-The test firing of the VIC-2B rocket motor was attempted this past Sunday
but problems with the ignition system forced a scrub until next Saturday
(Feb.22nd). The ignition problem was perplexing, as the complete system had
been thoroughly tested the previous day and worked well.

   Vicente assembling VIC-2B rocket motor:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1390a.jpg
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1391a.jpg
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1394a.jpg

   Installation of propellant grains:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1404a.jpg
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1405a.jpg

   Thermal labels and instruction manual:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1417a.jpg

   Fastening nozzle in place:

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1455a.jpg

   Close-up of motor in "hole in ground":

http://sugarshot.org/downloads/img_1585a.jpg

(photos courtesy Julia de Orellana-Pizarro)



-A regular Avionics telecon was held this past Sunday. Attendees were Chris
King and Richard Nakka. No new progress was reported during this brief
session.



-This past Sunday, Richard Nakka and Rick Maschek had a telecon with film
maker Daniel Oron. Daniel is developing a TV series in the field of
independent rocket builders and requested to speak with us regarding
participation in the project. The discussion went well with Daniel showing
keen interest in SS2S. Further talks are planned.



THE SS2S TOOL-RAFFLE IS UNDERWAY. PURCHASE YOUR TICKET FOR A CHANCE TO WIN,
AND SUPPORT SUGAR SHOT IN OUR EFFORT TO REACH SPACE ON THE POWER OF SUGAR.

http://sugarshot.org/tool-raffle/index.html

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-Sugar Shot to Space is on facebook. Check us out.

http://tinyurl.com/2exr92k
[SS2S-Main] Sugar Shot Weekly Activity Report -- Feb.10-17, 2014

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