Launch Latch

Overview

Collaboration with 3 other members of the Wisconsin Space Program club to provide a ground system that to safely supply liquid oxidizer to the the clubs first liquid-liquid engine project.

Goals

• Fill the oxidizer tank of rocket with saturated N2O remotely prior to launch.
• Reliably and remotely disconnect and reconnect with rocket side oxidizer fill port.
• Safely handle saturated nitrous.

Key Accomplishments

• Prototype Build: Manufactured full size prototype for the Launch Latch to demonstrate it's capability of discconect and retracting remotely
• Optimization: Optimized the support bar of the adjustable arm to minimize weight for portability, while giving a significant margin against buckling and compressive yield.
• Reevaluate: Rescoped project to only disconnect from the oxidizer fill port, as it was determined the reconnect requirement was unlikly to be used in the field.