The Project
“The Nike” is a full scale replica of the famous NASA Nike Smoke sounding rocket from the 1960’s, being put together by a few over-zealous members of the NZRA, for the inaugural “Havoc in the Paddock” International launch.
What started out life as an attempt by Ethan to score some of Kelvin's leftovers (parts that is!) somehow, with the aid of gin, morphed into the behemoth below:
The Rocket
Height: 6.5 m (21' 4")
Diameter: 470 mm (18.5")
Weight: 150 kg+ est. at liftoff (330 lb+)
Propulsion: 200mm (8") diameter, 50kNs+, professionally developed "P" class solid propellant motor.
Anticipated Altitude: 2700m (9000ft)
The Team
Ethan Kosoof - Not sure what he does exactly, except have constant anxiety attacks about the state of the airframe, recovery and motor design and fabrication. Apparently this whole thing was his idea.
Dr. Martin Van Tiel - Propellant formulation and motor design extraordinaire. Also seems to be the chief gin consumer.
Chris North - Master of motor hardware, airframe & launch pad machining and fabrication.
Kelvin McVinnie - Manufacturing expert of all things tubular and composite. Soon to be an manufacturing expert of all things conical and composite, possibly against his will. Also responsible for the constant supply of gin and gin-inspired design ideas.
Kim McVinnie - All of the above, except probably better at it. The voice of reason on this project for when Ethan & Kelvin find the most complex and convoluted way to do something. Word on the street is she will also be in charge of painting this thing.
Status
If for some reason you feel inclined to follow the carnage as it unfolds, you can keep an eye on the page below. Or if you're more social-media savvy, you can check out the Facebook page: