TEAPOT ROCKET
Sep 2023 - Jun 2024
This rocket was designed to be a test bed for a parafoil based guided descent system. Take a look at some of the work below to see how the rocket was designed, launched, and recovered. This project page covers the initial, design, assembly, and launch testing of the airframe. The goal of making a guided rocket is still in the works for Aerospace NU but I have recently shifted my focus to the all new Northeastern University Launch Initiative (NULI) to compete in the 2025 NASA Student Launch Competition! I hope to have more updated on this project in the future after the competition is complete.
Project Walkthrough
Look through the images and descriptions below to see how this project came to life!
01
Airframe CAD Design
In order the begin the design of the rocket airframe, a 6' tall 6" diameter form factor was chosen based on stability analysis and available construction materials. Once the form factor was set, a detailed schematic was put together and a basic CAD model of the rocket was created to arrange components.
02
Electronics Enclosure Design
One of the most important parts of a multi-stage rocket such as teapot is the electronics enclosure. The electronics enclosure contains the batteries, electronics, and avionic equipment necessary to monitor and control the rocket in flight. The goal of this electronic bay was to make sure that all components were neatly arranged to simplify wiring and troubleshooting of components. It was also necessary to leave room in the top of the enclosure as this is where the rocket guidance control mechanism will eventually be located.
03
Fin & Motor Section Assembly
With all of the CAD design complete, rocket assembly began starting with the motor section and fins. This rocket was constructed out blue-tube and laser cut wood as these materials were inexpensive and sufficient for testing the prototype airframe. The fins and motor retaining rings were attached with high strength epoxy to keep them secure within the rocket's outer shell during flight.
04
Finalized Assembly and Paint
Assembly continued on the rest of the rocket so that a final fitment could be done before painting the rocket. Pink was chosen as the rocket color by a vote and custom laser cut stencils were made to spray paint the graphics seen on the rocket.
05
Launch Day
Seen here is the completed rocket sitting on the launch rail prior to the first flight. After this photo was taken, the rocket's electronics were armed and the igniters ran a self diagnostic test to check for pyrotechnic continuity. This check is done at the launch rail for safety in case of accidental ignition and verifies that the igniters are ready to separarte the rocket in flight. This is important since a failed igniter may result in the rocket going ballistic on descent.
06
Recovery
The rocket was successfully recovered, howered, the electronics bay sustained significant damage due to an unexpected high shock loading on descent. The rocket's primary ejection charge for the main parachute failed to seperate the rocket in flight, causing the rocket to accelerate rapidly before the backup charge successfully deployed the parachute. The parachute deployment at high speed caused a significant shock load on the rocket, resulting in the failure of the lower bulkhead on the electronics enclosure. Thankfully, the flight control electronics survived the descent but the prototype airframe sustained enough damage to prevent it from flying again.
Project Gallery
Explore the photos below for a more complete look at this project!
