Gene Nowaczyk's Piperr-8 is a flying laboratory capable of ferrying science experiments higher than 100,000 feet.
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The Piperr-8 dwarfs off-the-shelf model rockets like the classic Big Bertha. |
Estes Big Bertha | Piperr-8 |
| Height | 2 feet | 17 feet |
| Diameter | 1.6 inches | 8 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 ounces | 375 pounds |
| Cost | $15 | $35,000 |
Infographic: Charlie Kinks
- Antennas receive GPS signals and transmit telemetry data to Earth.
- X-ray ion chamber measures solar x-rays passing through the rocket for scientific purposes.
- Barometric sensors track altitude.
- Accelerometers monitor the rocket's orientation in space.
- Flight control computers deploy parachutes based on altitude and acceleration.
- GPS transmits the rocket's position to the data acquisition system.
- Data acquisition system collects and stores internal and external temperature, acceleration, location, time, and system voltage.
- Telemetry control board receives information from the data acquisition system. It filters out GPS, temperature, time, and system voltage for transmission.
- Camera 1 shoots HD video.
- Camera 2 overlays telemetry data on a video image for transmission.
- Transmitter relays data packets down to mission control.
- Batteries power the electronics.
- Payload platforms house electronics for experiments to be conducted in flight.
- Storage capsules hold any payload items that may need additional protection.
- Parachutes (two each for payload/cargo bay and booster) are attached to multi-strand bungee cords.
- Booster separates at apogee and returns to ground via small parachutes.
