Dec 13th 2024
This Week in Space 140
University Rocketeers
USC's Rocket Lab Smash the Amateur Altitude Record
Many of us flew model rockets as young people, but USC Rocket Propulsion Lab takes amateur rocketry to a whole new level--in this case, 470,000 feet! Meet Dr. Dan Erwin and student Ryan Kraemer, who, along with a very talented team of other undergrads, built and flew Aftershock II, a 14-foot, 330-pound "amateur" rocket that flew out of the Nevada desert and into the record books. It's a fun episode that will leave you wishing that your university had a club that was half this cool!
Headlines:
• Mars Ingenuity helicopter lives on after a hard landing, and may last another 20 years as a weather station and fixed camera
• Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend, but the full moon may wash out fainter meteors
• NASA releases Moon to Mars architecture review with 12 new white papers covering various needs and capabilities for lunar and Mars missions
• Mysterious drones continue to be spotted over New Jersey and other parts of the U.S., with no clear explanation
Main Topic - USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory:
• Dr. Daniel Erwin discusses the lab's founding in 2004 by student Ian Whittinghill, with the goal of being the first student group to reach space
• The lab's rockets have evolved over 20 years, with their current vehicle, Aftershock II, reaching an altitude of 470,000 feet (90 miles) and breaking the 20-year-old amateur rocketry record
• Ryan Kraemer explains how their rockets differ from amateur rockets, with a focus on continuity and optimization of design over the years
• The lab formulates its own solid propellant, which is mixed and cast under professional supervision due to safety concerns
• Discussing the bureaucratic requirements for high-altitude launches, including FAA permits and Bureau of Land Management approvals
• The lab's plans for the future include further optimizing rocket performance, developing smaller rockets capable of reaching space, and offering payload slots for scientific research
• Dr. Erwin emphasizes the valuable hands-on experience students gain through the lab, making them highly sought after by the aerospace industry
• Ryan Kraemer shares his personal journey and passion for rocketry, leading to his upcoming job at SpaceX
• The hosts and guests discuss the thrilling atmosphere surrounding the record-breaking launch and the dedication of the student team
• The show concludes with information on how to support the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and get involved as a student or donor.
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