December 13, 2024

This Week in Space 140: University Rocketeers

1 hour 13 minutes

Many of us flew model rockets as young people, but USC Rocket Propulsion Lab takes amateur rocketry to a whole new level--in this case, 470,000 feet! Meet Dr. Dan Erwin and student Ryan Kraemer, who, along with a very talented team of other undergrads, built and flew Aftershock II, a 14-foot, 330-pound "amateur" rocket that flew out of the Nevada desert and into the record books. It's a fun episode that will leave you wishing that your university had a club that was half this cool!

Headlines:

• Mars Ingenuity helicopter lives on after a hard landing, and may last another 20 years as a weather station and fixed camera

• Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend, but the full moon may wash out fainter meteors

• NASA releases Moon to Mars architecture review with 12 new white papers covering various needs and capabilities for lunar and Mars missions

• Mysterious drones continue to be spotted over New Jersey and other parts of the U.S., with no clear explanation

Main Topic - USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory:

• Dr. Daniel Erwin discusses the lab's founding in 2004 by student Ian Whittinghill, with the goal of being the first student group to reach space

• The lab's rockets have evolved over 20 years, with their current vehicle, Aftershock II, reaching an altitude of 470,000 feet (90 miles) and breaking the 20-year-old amateur rocketry record

• Ryan Kraemer explains how their rockets differ from amateur rockets, with a focus on continuity and optimization of design over the years

• The lab formulates its own solid propellant, which is mixed and cast under professional supervision due to safety concerns

• Discussing the bureaucratic requirements for high-altitude launches, including FAA permits and Bureau of Land Management approvals

• The lab's plans for the future include further optimizing rocket performance, developing smaller rockets capable of reaching space, and offering payload slots for scientific research

• Dr. Erwin emphasizes the valuable hands-on experience students gain through the lab, making them highly sought after by the aerospace industry

• Ryan Kraemer shares his personal journey and passion for rocketry, leading to his upcoming job at SpaceX

• The hosts and guests discuss the thrilling atmosphere surrounding the record-breaking launch and the dedication of the student team

• The show concludes with information on how to support the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and get involved as a student or donor.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Dr. Dan Erwin and Ryan Kraemer

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