Project Vulcan
(2024-2025)
Embedded Files
Vulcan was a single staged rocket meant to fly to a targeted apogee of 10,000ft. After the rocket motor completes its burn, the rocket’s airbrakes system will deploy to slow down the craft to achieve a more accurate apogee. The rockets payload experiment was pitot tube used to measure the crafts airspeed during flight alongside a custom made inertial navigation system.
Vulcan was a single staged rocket meant to fly to a targeted apogee of 10,000ft. After the rocket motor completes its burn, the rocket’s airbrakes system will deploy to slow down the craft to achieve a more accurate apogee. The rockets payload experiment was pitot tube used to measure the crafts airspeed during flight alongside a custom made inertial navigation system.
Vehicle Specifications and Flight Predictions
Vehicle Specifications and Flight Predictions
Airframe Length: 13' 1"
Airframe Diameter: 6"
Max Velocity: 640 mph
Max Acceleration: 7.81 G
Rocket Motor: Aerotech N3300R-P
Total Mass: 98 lbs 8 oz
Airbrakes
Airbrakes
Avionics Bay
Avionics Bay
Payload
Payload
Launch History
Launch History
Competition Launch
Competition Launch
Vulcan launched on the first day of flights at the International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland, Texas. The rocket successfully flew and deployed it's airbrakes to achieve an apogee of 9,104 ft. Due to the drogue parachute deployment occurring four seconds after the rocket reached it's apogee, the force from the deployment caused the main parachute to be released. The rocket then descended under both parachutes and was successfully recovered later that day.
Payload Validation Launch
Payload Validation Launch
Vulcan flew for a second time on September 27th, 2025 to validate a part of the crafts payload experiement. Approximately 0.4 seconds after liftoff, the N2220-DM rocket motor experienced an event resulting in a motor failure. Due to the design of the airbrakes system mounted above the rocket motor, the vehicle survived the event and was successfully recovered. All systems that the team set out to test were validated and the launch was deemed a success. Following the flight, the rocket is undergoing minor refurbishments and will soon be put on display.
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