Level 2 High-Power Rocket
Live Progress

Initial Planning

Background

After my Level 1 rocket and competing in IREC (International Rocketry Engineering Competition) 2025 I knew I had to challenge myself when designing my Level 2 vehicle. I aim to apply an in-depth planning stage, complete several analysis methods, and document testing.

Goals

This vehicle serves as a hands-on learning platform to expand my knowledge about analysis methods and high-power rocketry.

  • Manufacture major structural components
  • Electronic controlled separation events
  • Optimize for altitude

Restrictions

This self imposed deadline is set to avoid scope creep and help me complete this project in a timely manner.

  1. Launch by the end of August

Previous Work

Up to 6/24/2026

Throughout the 25-26 school year, I had occasionally worked on this project. Here is a quick pass through of what I had accomplished up to this date.

Open Rocket

CAD (SolidWorks)

Things to note:

There are several systems I’d like to implement in this vehicle for different reasons.

  • A panel-accessible electronics bay
    • Much easier to access
    • NOTE: may weaken structure
  • A single-separation dual-deployment recovery system
    • These systems, while more complex can save space
  • I am considering implementing an aluminum nosecone tip
    • This can shift the center of gravity efficiently
    • Provides protection against thermal stress though this may be unnecessary

Update 7/15/26

Overview

Over the last 3 weeks I have researched designed and began testing several components of the flight vehicle. The most notable of which is the CAD, giving me a clear path to begin manufacturing. Other systems that have received major updates include the recovery, electronics, and manufacturing systems.

CAD

Recovery Diagram

The recovery system follows common Dual-Deployment designs.

  • Stage 0-1: Take-off and flight until Apogee
  • Stage 2: At Apogee the flight computer will ignite an ejection charge, releasing the drogue parachute
  • Stage 3: At 800ft altitude, another ejection charge will release the main parachute

Single-Separation Dual-Deployment

This Single-Separation Dual-Deployment(SSDD) recovery system takes inspiration from previous projects and implements a piston deployment system.

  1. The initial charge will pressurize the primary chamber
  2. At 2 seconds after simulated apogee, the motor will ignite a redundant charge, ensuring drogue deployment
    • I will be using Open rocket to find time to apogee
  3. At 800ft altitude, another ejection charge will ignite beneath the piston
  4. The piston will push the main parachute up and out, disposing of the cap and piston cup
    • NOTE: There is no redundant charge for the main deployment

Post-Recovery

I had been looking for an opportunity to expand my knowledge with electronics and radio and this is a perfect time. I am looking to design and install a GPS module, microcontroller, and radio module to communicate live GPS data to a ground station to aid in recovery. For more information on this project please click the image below