|
|
The micro-scale Rocketry and Aerospace program is just one aspect of AA Institute's extensive array of projects and initiatives covering space technology, Astronomy and selected branches of Earth sciences. Above are some highlights from activities during the past year. With first launch of Ascent 1 back in October 2002, the program is still at very much of an infancy in its long term development and updates will be posted on this page as each phase progresses and capabilities gradually improve over time.
Program Objectives and Scope
The overriding goal of AA Institute's Rocketry & Aerospace program is to consistently achieve higher altitude records with each new test launch. The projects will initially consist of totally un-manned, fully recoverable missions with no cruelty to animals, insects or other creatures which spacefaring nations elsewhere have been using as guinea pigs!
Rocketry & Aerospace program's broader science remit is the practical study of ballistics and atmospheric flight mechanics for space bound and re-entering vehicles.
Program specific objectives will be to progressively:-
- Increase payload mass,
- Increase on-board avionics and technology capabilities,
- Improve propulsion, launch vehicle reliability and payload recovery systems
For the foreseeable future, the program will be entirely funded from AAI own resources and as such will be subject to financial constraints, with intense funding competition from the Institute's other areas of focus. Other factors which will ultimately limit the reach and pace of advancement of the program will be governmental airspace restrictions and certification issues.
|
|
![A library image of an Ascent-class rocket launch [Image credit: AAI]](ascent3concept.jpg)
Above: A library image of an Ascent-class rocket launch [Image credit: AAI]
|
