Second launch of Illustria student rocket

On Saturday 17.8.2024, the second launch of the student rocket Ilustria from CTU Space Research took place. Illustria took off from the model airfield Bezno near Mladá Boleslav. This launch was also special because it was attended not only by team members but also by our partners and other guests.

Preparations

Since the last launch, there have been many changes, both technical and organizational. There have been Enhancements Medusa engine and after its successful testing the preparations could continue. We had gained experience from the previous launch, which we used for the planning and course of the launch. Due to the larger number of guests, we improved the safety instructions for the whole launch to avoid any injuries and everything went as it should. 

Last but not least, an integration test of the rocket was carried out two days before the launch, so that on the launch day the additional work required was minimal and we knew that the rocket was safe and ready.

Starting day

Around 7 a.m. our team met at Charles Square. We loaded the necessary things, the rocket, the ramp and around eight o'clock we went to the launch site. We arrived at the place at nine o'clock and after the safety training we immediately started preparations. Construction of the ramp, control center and guest facilities began. Unfortunately, around 1 p.m. we were caught in heavy rain, which forced us to suspend preparations until 2 p.m., when rain we stopped and continued to work. At 3pm everything was ready, the rocket was set up on the ramp and we moved to the control centre where the launch is controlled.

Launch

Due to electronic failures, the countdown was successful only on the third attempt. After that, all I had to do was turn the key and press the red button. The ignition was successful on the first attempt and immediately afterwards Illustria set off on her second flight. She surpassed her first flight with an altitude 946 m. After reaching the highest point of the flight, the tip opened and the braking parachute deployed. Unfortunately, the main parachute did not open fully due to a tangled rope.  Failure to open the main parachute resulted in a higher impact velocity in the defined landing area and unfortunately, slight damage to the rocket. The tail surfaces and the motor mount were damaged.  

The whole day, including the flight itself, was very successful. We have gained more experience which we will use in the design of our new rocket and for future launches.

Thank you especially to our partners and sponsorswithout which our dreams could not come true. Thank you also to everyone who took part in the launch.