ASTRo
BURPG’s Active Stabilization Test Rocket (ASTRo) is a vital test platform for avionics and control systems.
ASTRo
ASTRo is a high powered rocket developed by BURPG in parallel with space shot efforts to develop and test controls models for actively stabilized fin actuation. At the aft end of the rocket, a 3D printed fin can features four aluminum fins with actuating aft ailerons. These ailerons were able to control three degrees of freedom (pitch, yaw, and roll) in both subsonic and supersonic regimes.
Originally created as part of the Starscraper program in 2014, ASTRo was succesfully flown several times between 2015 and 2017. ASTRo was officially retired in 2017, along with the rest of of the Starscraper program.
In 2020, ASTRo was brought out of retirement with a host of new features such as an updated avionics system, controls model, and aileron design. This effort was made to support upcoming large scale vehicles by BURPG.
A derivative of the base ASTRo design was launched in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, as part of the 2022 Spaceport America Cup. It won the James Barrowman Award for Flight Dynamics, beating out 100 other teams in flight performance and reaching within 0.14% of its launch altitude target.
Reliable Recovery System
Using a dual-deployment tender descender system, ASTRo is able to safely float back to the ground after reaching its apogee. This allows for not only a safe flight but also safe recovery of the onboard avionics data vital to the flight.
Our SpaceShot Avionics
ASTRo originally flew with a control board known as Kronos Lite--a simplified version of the Kronos board that was planning on flying aboard Starscraper. Kronos Lite was responsible for controlling all of the fin actuation throughout flight and triggering flight stages such as parachute deployment.
Solid Propellant Motor
In order to speed up development and test at a samller scale, ASTRo launched with a Cesaroni L1050 HPR motor. Even though this isn't the type of propulsion that will be used in BURPG's larger rockets, this motor specifically simulated the speeds that Starscraper was planning to see.
Aerodynamic Guidance
The purpose of ASTRo's launch was to test the flight characteristics and control models of an actuating fin system. At the aft ends of the fins, ASTRo had actuatable ailerons which controlled 3DOF in pitch, yaw, and roll.
Fin Actuation Test
Facts & Figures:
| 3DOF | 90" x 6" |
|---|---|
| ASTRo was capable of three degree of freedom active control (pitch, yaw, and roll) | At its much smaller scale than BURPG's liquid rockets, ASTRo could be rapidly tested |
| 50 lbm | 235.15 lbf |
| Lightweight construction allowed ASTRo to reach supersonic speeds | A Cesaroni L1050 motor powered ASTRo to a successful launch |
Help us make history
