Sounding Rockets

From October 2005 to April 2011 I worked as an undergraduate research assistant at CU’s Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA) Astrophysics Research Lab (ARL). I was hired as an art major. My experiences in the lab inspired me to pursue an engineering degree upon completion of my fine arts degree.

This is a SolidWorks CAD model of the X-Ray payload I helped assemble when I was first hired.

The first image is an official photo of a stack of collimator plates from the X-ray payload on a vibration table at Ball Aerospace. We were not allowed to take our own photographs in the facilities, but I was permitted to make sketches while observing the test.

There was a problem with a gas leak in the detectors during the first launch of the X-Ray payload, which necessitated an on-board vacuum gauge for the re-flight of the mission. This is a mount I designed for the gauge, it was fabricated out of aluminum and flown Friday the 13th, November of 2009.

The lead Ultra Violet (UV) payload scientist originally wanted to use a large tube with access doors for the mechanical structure. I suggested a space frame for greater strength and access. This is my SolidWorks conceptual model, showing the light path coming in from the right.

This is the final SolidWorks CAD model of the UV payload, utilizing my space frame concept.

I built this 1:1 scale prototype of the UV payload. The scientists wanted to get a feel for how much room they would have to get their hands around the optical components. A number of changes were made to the actual payload as a result of this model. It also allowed us to construct the electrical harnessing while the actual payload structure was being fabricated, which was critical for the mission schedule.

This is the actual payload, showing the electronics harnessing comprised largely of a white bundle of cables down the length of the spectrograph.

This is the detector side of the space frame on the 1:1 UV payload prototype, showing the grating and detector assemblies.

This is the same area on the actual payload, before harnessing. I am on the left.

A vibration test at Ball Aerospace indicated the need for added cross bracing to the structure. I am on the left, assisting in assembly. On the right is an alignment rocket skin with access holes I made using a plasma cutter.

I put together a 1:14 scale model of the UV payload on its Black Brant IX rocket boosters. The actual rocket was 55 feet long.

This is the 1:14 scale model during construction. A 6-foot tall man at this scale could lie between my feet and not quite be able to touch either one by outstretching his arms.

The tension was high on launch night in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Again no photos were permitted but I was allowed to make sketches. Above are the lead scientists a few minutes before launch, preparing to monitor the instrument in space. Below is the rocket on its launch rail enclosed by a protective, removable warehouse structure. The entire warehouse rolled out of the way on a track.

This is the actual UV rocket in launch configuration. I am the fourth from the left. Our payload is in a Styrofoam box for thermal insulation. We launched five of these rockets while I was an employee.