The George Fox University (GFU) Rocket Team is a student-led team whose mission is to design, build, and fly high-powered rockets. The M-1 Rocket Project provided a hands-on opportunity for GFU Rocket Team members to experience the aerospace industry at the advanced amateur level. The primary objectives of this project were to build a Liquid Bi-Propellant Rocket from scratch and fly it successfully. Our design is projected to reach an altitude of 25,000 feet and a velocity of Mach 1.5.
We tested the M-1 Rocket in California’s Mojave Desert at the Friends of Amateur Rocketry (FAR) facility in July 2024. The M-1 rocket failed to ignite for our two launch attempts. Our failure analysis concluded that the black powder ignition motor did not reach high enough temperatures or burn long enough to sustain the ignition transient. Additionally, the main oxidizer valve and fuel valve were opened quickly. The high initial propellant mass flux seemed to push the ignition flame out of the combustion chamber on our second launch attempt, resulting in a condition known as a hard start. Luckily, the M-1 rocket and its engine were not damaged by either launch attempt.
The team will develop an improved ignition system utilizing increased heat energy and a startup sequence that begins with opening the oxidizer valve slightly before the fuel valve. As a stretch goal, closed-loop throttle control technology using chamber pressure feedback may be integrated. The team is looking to conduct a static test campaign later this semester.