Launch Procedures

1
Launch Procedures

• No-Go Criteria
• Winds exceeding 10 knots steady from any
  direction
• Cloud ceiling below 10,000 ft AGL
• Data acquisition systems not operable
• Rocket subsystems not operable
•  

2
Launch Procedures (page 2)

• Pre-Test Preparation
• Launch rail installed on launch pad.
• Rocket motor inspection/clearance from Dugway
  Proving Ground personnel
• Transportation of the rocket motor,
  subassemblies, launch support equipment
  (including power supply) to launch site.
• Assembly of rocket subsystems at the blockhouse.
• Pre-launch checks of all electrical and
  mechanical components.
• Installation of Unity IV Phase II rocket onto
  launch rail.
• Photo/video camera set-up and field of view
  verification.
• Final pre-launch checks of electrical and
  mechanical systems.
• Evacuation of non-essential personnel outside of
  safety footprint.
• Fill oxidizer tank.
• Begin launch operations/countdown from the
  blockhouse.

3
Launch Procedures (page 3)

• Test Events
•  T-minus countdown and launch (see Timeline and
  Procedures).
• Rocket ascends to approximately 10,000 ft AGL.
• Deployment of recovery system 150 ft below
  apogee.
• Rocket impact downrange.
• Post Test Events
• Rocket recovery.
• Removal of all launch support equipment from
  launch area.
• Review of flight test data and photo coverage.

4
Timeline and Procedures

• Time Event ___________________________________
• t-700 -Arrive at Utah Test and Training Range.
• -Proceed to the assembly building via Air Force
  vehicles.
• t-230 -Assembly Team performs maintenance and
  assembles Unity IV Phase II rocket.
• -Test and check all mechanical and electrical
  components.
• -Enter atmospheric data into the flight
  controller.
• t-130 -Transport rocket from assembly building
  to launch pad.
• -Slide rocket onto the launch rail until stops
  are met.
• -Raise launch rail to 90 degrees off of
  horizontal and secure launch rail angle and
  support arms.
• -Assembly Team attaches fins.
• -All electrical connections are made to the
  ball valve and it is tested and placed in
  correct closed position. Disconnect electrical
  connections to all valves. Solenoid valves are
  manually checked to be in their correct
  position.
• t-100 -All personnel at the launch pad enter the
  block house.

5
Timeline and Procedures (page 2)

• Time Event ___________________________________
• t-030 -Valves are rechecked for their proper
  open/closed positions by eye.
•           The fill line is connected to the
  self-sealing connect on the upper solenoid
  valve. Vent line connected to vent self-sealing
  connect.
• -Remove all personnel who are not going to
  remain in the block
• house from the footprint area.
• -Remotely fill the rocket oxidizer tank (25ft).
  Monitor pressure and fill level through vent
  line.
• -Attach the fill line to the first solenoid
  valve connect and keep the the vent line closed.
• -Fill until vent line sight glass shows liquid
  N2O.
• -Pressurize Tank to 1200 psig with N2.
• -Record the final pressure.
• t-005 -One person will then go to the rocket and
  disconnect the oxidizer
• fill and vent lines from the solenoid valve and
  vent connects.
• -Reconnect all electrical connectors to valves.
• -Seal up access panel.

6
Timeline and Procedures (page 3)

•  Time Event ___________________________________
• t-005 Wait for clearance from Range
  Control
• t-002 Send out warning for countdown. 
• t-30 sec Verify video equipment is running.
• t-10 sec Activate the power supply and flip to on
  position.
• t-0 sec Flip the ignition switch to the on
  position.
• The flight controller initiates data
  recording.
• The flight controller lights the igniters for
  six seconds.
• The flight controller opens the oxidizer
  valves.
• Verify launch with video monitor.
• Altitude Event______________________________
• 150 feet below apogee The flight controller sends
  the signal to separate the nose cone. Nose
  cone chute deploys.
• Booster section drogue chute deploys.
• 5000 AGL Booster section main chute deploys.
• 0 AGL Rocket impacts at 23 fps. Recover the
  rocket.