Task - Class C Rocket Launches

Class C rockets are small, cheap hobby rockets that can be purchased in many hobby shops and launched from a suitable clear area. They have a low operational ceiling of only 100 to 200 meters and can lift a very small payload using expendable solid-fuel motors.

(By "Class C", what we mean is model rockets of a size consistent with (typically) the use of "C" impulse class model rocket motors, typically disposable Estes-style model rocket motors.)

Class C rockets are extremely limited with regard to experiments or development that can be performed, but they are still an excellent way to get a feel for rocketry and gain an understanding of what to expect with larger rockets. Because of their low operational ceiling and cheap motors a series of launches can be performed quickly in any suitable open area without requiring special airspace clearance.

As a fun and simple payload capacity test Jonathan Oxer performed two class C rocket launches with solid chocolate Easter eggs loaded into the nosecone to simulate the mass of a telemetry system. The launches were recorded on video:

http://jon.oxer.com.au/blog/id/327

Datalogging / Telemetry System Development

As a challenge to develop a very small / light avionics package Jonathan is currently working on a payload for a class C rocket that will provide:

• 3-axis accelerometer data
• GPS data
• Local (in-rocket) data storage
• Real-time data transmission

Initial development work can be seen on his blog:

http://jon.oxer.com.au/blog/id/328

http://jon.oxer.com.au/blog/id/330