Mission Goal
Build and launch a single-bottle water rocket that flies straight and safely, and demonstrates repeatable performance (at least 3 launches with logged results).
Why it matters
The simplest launch vehicle is where you learn the fundamentals: stability, mass distribution, drag reduction, and disciplined testing. Professional launch programmes build confidence on simple, repeatable flights before scaling complexity.
Inputs from other teams
- Structures: fin designs, nose cone ideas, safe reinforcement strategies.
- Payload: any small payload mass/shape requirements (optional at this level).
- Comms: launch callouts; recovery tracking (“rocket down!”).
- Command & Control: launch log template; roles for launch day.
- Recovery: safe retrieval plan and landing zone awareness.
Constraints
- Water rockets only.
- Use a standard plastic bottle in good condition (no cracks, no dents).
- No sharp parts. No glass. No metal pressure vessels. No “projectile” nose weights.
- Teacher controls pressurisation and release using the LS1 pad.
- Use staff-approved pressure limits and a clear launch perimeter.
What you must produce (deliverables)
- 1 working single-bottle rocket design.
- A labelled diagram or build sheet (materials + steps).
- Launch log for at least 3 launches (pressure used, water fill, outcome, notes).
- A short “design rationale” paragraph: why your fins/nose/mass distribution should improve stability.
Scaffolding Example (optional)
You are allowed to reuse structures and formats from other teams — but not their decisions.
Example: “Stable Starter” rocket design
- Bottle: 1 standard plastic bottle in good condition (no dents/cracks).
- Fins: 3 fins, identical size, mounted evenly (120° apart).
- Fin material: light card/plastic sheet; attach with strong tape (smooth edges).
- Nose cone: lightweight cone to reduce drag and protect the bottle opening (no hard weights).
- Symmetry check: top-down photo — if it “looks crooked”, it will fly crooked.
Example: Launch log (what to record)
- Date/time, weather (wind), water fill level (e.g., “¼ bottle”), pressure setting (teacher-approved), result (“straight / wobble / early release / leak”).
- One improvement per test: change only one thing, then re-test.
Example: If it wobbles… (first fixes)
- Re-align fins (same angle, same distance from base).
- Reduce asymmetry (remove extra tape blobs or uneven attachments).
- Lower water fill slightly and re-test (with teacher).
Build & test steps
- Design for stability: keep mass forward (nose), keep fins straight and equal.
- Build fins: 3 or 4 fins, same size, same angle, firmly attached.
- Add a safe nose cone (lightweight) to reduce drag and protect the bottle opening.
- Check symmetry: look from above—does it look evenly balanced?
- Dry-fit on the pad: does it seat correctly and release smoothly?
- Test launch 1: safe pressure + safe fill volume (teacher-managed).
- Adjust: if it wobbles, fix fin alignment or reduce asymmetry.
- Test launches 2–3: repeat and log results.
Launch-day checklist
- Range set + clear safety line.
- Rocket inspected (bottle condition, fins secure, no loose tape).
- Team roles assigned: Safety Marshal, Rocket Handler, Recorder, Spotter (teacher is Launch Director).
- Countdown discipline followed every launch.
- Recovery route agreed; no one runs until “all clear”.
Success criteria
- Rocket launches safely and flies mostly straight (no dangerous lateral launch).
- At least 3 launches completed with logged results.
- Team can explain at least 2 design choices linked to stability/drag.
Evidence checklist
- Photos of the rocket (side view + top-down view of fins).
- Video of at least one full countdown + launch.
- Completed launch logs for 3 launches.
- Build sheet / diagram.
Safety rules
- Eye protection near operations area.
- No one over the rocket. Ever.
- Only teacher pressurises and releases.
- Stop if bottle bulges, leaks, or fins detach.
- Do not retrieve until the Launch Director says the range is safe.
Common failure modes
- Uneven fins → spin, wobble, sideways launch risk.
- Too much mass at the back → unstable flight.
- Nose cone too heavy → dangerous impacts and poor balance.
- Loose tape → fins detach mid-flight.
- No launch log → no learning, only random outcomes.
Stretch goals
- Run a mini A/B test: two fin shapes, same pressure/fill, compare flight quality.
- Add a simple altitude estimate method (e.g., observer angle + distance, teacher-approved).
- Design a “rapid turnaround” process: reload + inspect + relaunch safely.