Boiler Plate Motor Parts

I did some simple modifications to the SStS DDS BPS Motor in anticipation of an upcoming firing.  This is a nice looking motor and I can't wait for the firing...should be cool!  Here is a photo of one of the parts in the lathe and the same part being test fitted in the motor casing.

Nice Engine Firing!

I happend across this video earlier today and I couldn't help but notice that the mountains in the background looked awfully familar.  Once I heard the countdown, I knew I was right.  Ten years or so ago I'd heard the same voice calmly proclaim "test complete" following a massive cato during the largest solid rocket motor firing I have ever witnessed.  Cool stuff!

Nike Ajax Restoration

I ran across this blog detailing a Nike Ajax missile restoration effort currentlly taking place at the former Nike battery site NY-56 in Hancock New Jersey.

http://ny56nikeajax.blogspot.com/

I've seen one of these up close at the local VFW...big, cool missle. There are numerous pics of a Nike missile being dissassembled including this one that shows how the fins are mounted.

Star Shaped Core

I've been trying to come up with a way to create a star shaped core without the need for a machined
mandrel and a way that would also reduce the risk of having to deal with a stuck mandrel.  The above image
illustrates what I came up with.  I'm currently making a version of this jig that has several features added in so that I can actually try to cast a grain with this set-up. The most notable features are a star shape on the base that helps seal the bottom so that propellant doesn't seep under and into the core, a hole in the center of the base to ease the installation of the tape, and a secondary top cap which helps to keep everything centered.

Motor Casing complete

Completed Motor casing for SStS motor test.

Casing continued...

The new casing for the DDS boilerplate motor is nearly complete, just a little more sanding on the bulkhead end (on the right in the photo), and it's ready to go.

Shuttle Launch

The Shuttle Launch Like You Have Never HEARD It Before Thanks to Skywalker Sound.  Great video, and accompanying sounds, of a shuttle launch.   I suggest that you play it loud.

 http://gizmodo.com/5893612/the-shuttle-launch-like-you-never-heard-it-before