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Questions and Answers
What critical design element allowed Aftershock II to withstand the extreme conditions of its flight?
What critical design element allowed Aftershock II to withstand the extreme conditions of its flight?
- A complex network of internal cooling channels using liquid nitrogen.
- Titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint. (correct)
- A redundant fuel system that ensured continuous engine burn throughout the ascent.
- An ablative heat shield composed of a novel polymer matrix composite.
Why does the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab intend to shift its focus from altitude records to sounding rockets?
Why does the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab intend to shift its focus from altitude records to sounding rockets?
- Funding for high-altitude rockets has been cut, making research payloads the only viable option.
- They can gather data for whoever wants using a sounding rocket. (correct)
- The team lacks the expertise to surpass their current altitude record.
- Reaching higher altitudes requires special permissions, but research payloads are exempt from these restrictions.
What distinguishes the Kármán line from other altitude markers?
What distinguishes the Kármán line from other altitude markers?
- It’s the altitude where the concentration of ozone is at its maximum.
- It represents the highest altitude at which conventional aircraft can operate.
- It’s the point at which atmospheric drag becomes negligible, allowing for sustained orbital flight.
- It marks the internationally recognized boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space. (correct)
What data did Aftershock II transmit during its flight?
What data did Aftershock II transmit during its flight?
How did RPL's Traveler IV contribute to the field of amateur rocketry?
How did RPL's Traveler IV contribute to the field of amateur rocketry?
How did Aftershock II's maximum speed compare to the speed of sound?
How did Aftershock II's maximum speed compare to the speed of sound?
What was the primary purpose of the sounding rockets that RPL plans to develop?
What was the primary purpose of the sounding rockets that RPL plans to develop?
Approximately how long after launch did Aftershock II reach its peak altitude?
Approximately how long after launch did Aftershock II reach its peak altitude?
What was the previous amateur rocket altitude record before Aftershock II?
What was the previous amateur rocket altitude record before Aftershock II?
Which event occurred shortly after Aftershock II's launch?
Which event occurred shortly after Aftershock II's launch?
Flashcards
Aftershock II
Aftershock II
A rocket built by students at USC Rocket Propulsion Lab that reached an altitude of 470,000 feet (143.3 km), breaking a 20-year record.
470,000 feet (143.3 km)
470,000 feet (143.3 km)
The altitude reached by Aftershock II on October 20, 2024.
3,600 mph (5,800 km/h)
3,600 mph (5,800 km/h)
The maximum speed attained by Aftershock II shortly after launch.
Kármán line
Kármán line
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Sounding rockets
Sounding rockets
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USC Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL)
USC Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL)
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Study Notes
- Aftershock II, a rocket built by students at the University of Southern California (USC) Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL), broke a 20-year-old amateur rocket space altitude record
- The launch occurred on October 20, 2024, in Nevada's Black Rock Desert
Altitude and Speed Records
- Aftershock II reached an altitude of 470,000 feet (143.3 km)
- The previous record was 380,000 feet (115.8 km), set in 2004 by the Civilian Space eXploration Team’s GoFast rocket
- The rocket broke the sound barrier within two seconds of launch
- It reached a maximum speed of 3,600 mph (5,800 km/h), 5.5 times the speed of sound, 19 seconds after launch
- This slightly exceeded the speed record set by GoFast in 2004
Flight Details
- Aftershock II is 14 feet (4 m) tall
- Its engine burned out shortly after launch, but it continued its ascent
- It left Earth's atmosphere approximately 85 seconds after launch
- It reached its peak altitude 92 seconds after launch
- The rocket's nose cone detached and deployed its parachute for a safe landing
- Student scientists retrieved the rocket from the desert
Technological Innovations
- The rocket's titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint allowed it to withstand extreme temperatures at high speeds
- Student-designed computer systems enabled real-time tracking and live data transmission
USC Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL)
- RPL was founded in 2005 to launch student-designed and built rockets into space
- In 2019, RPL's Traveler IV rocket was the first student-built rocket to cross the Kármán line
- The Kármán line is 328,083 feet (100 km) above Earth, marking the edge of space
Future Plans
- RPL plans to focus on developing "sounding" rockets for research purposes
- The team aims to carry scientific instruments into space
- RPL will stay under the amateur rocketry limit of 490,000 feet unless granted special clearances
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