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OSU professor launches NASA rocket |
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Friday, 26 June 2009 |
 Terrier-Orion sounding rocket at launch.  Jamey Jacob (right) performing a final check on the payload prior to integration with the rocket.  Terrier-Orion rocket with payload capsule.
The payload was designed to measure radiation levels in the Earth's atmosphere and low Earth orbit as well as performance parameters of the suborbital rocket. The 33 foot plus tall rocket was a two-stage Terrier-Orion with 19,000 pounds of thrust that reached an altitude of nearly 400,000 feet (77 miles) and speeds of over 3000 miles per hour, 4.2 times the speed of sound.
The payload landed in the Atlantic ocean approximately 35 miles down range 14 minutes after launch and was successfully recovered. The data was retrieved from the payload and is currently being analyzed. Results from the experiment will be used in the classroom to provide hands on activities for OSU engineering students and enhance outreach efforts to increase interest in science, mathematics and engineering.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center`s Wallops Flight Facility, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore near Chincoteague, was established in 1945 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, as a center for aeronautic research and regularly launches sub-orbital and orbital payloads, as well as high altitude balloons. Funding was provided by the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium.
Check out the video on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVVE0n5a7kQ |
