36.317 GT HESH/NASA WFF SubTec-7 - May 16, 2017

  • Mission
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This is a technology demonstration mission with primary objectives being the test of the NSROC Forward OGIVE Recovery System (N-FORSe) and the Water Recovery Shutter Door. Both technologies are developed to enhance program capabilities. The secondary objective is to provide a flight opportunity for 23 SRPO/NSROC development components and piggy-back technology development experiments from reimbursable customers.

NSROC Forward Ogive Recovery Section (NFORSe) is being developed as an in house solution to the Ogive Recovery System Assembly (ORSA) that is currently in use. The addition of a new suite of electronics packaging, the ability to accept various capacities of parachutes, and reduce the cost of manufacturing proves to be a welcomed addition to the inventory of NSORC flight hardware capabilities.

The new water recovery designs include a modified shutter door with the prototype “water wedge” intended to protect the door mechanism and maintain sealed joint integrity. This recovery system will enable telescope payloads to be launched from sites with water impact areas such as Kwajalein and Wallops Island.

Several additional experiments will be supported on this technology flight.

The Principal Investigator is Ms. Cathy Hesh/NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Drawing of a Terrier-Black Brant sounding rocket

The Black Brant 9 is a two stage sounding rocket with a Terrier first stage and Black Brant second stage. The Black Brant 9 can reach altitudes of about 600 km. Payloads weighing from 400 to 1200 pounds can be flown.

Additional sounding rocket vehicles

 

Google Earth map showing Wallops Flight Facility

The SubTec-7 was launched from NASA Wallops Flight Facility on May 16, 2017.