PSP-SA competes annually
in the New Mexico
Spaceport America Cup.
PSP Spaceport America (SA), previously known as PSP Solids, is dedicated to the manufacturing and launch of a student-built rocket. The team aims to compete at the Spaceport America Cup annually in New Mexico. With the rebranding of the team, the main objective has shifted toward teaching new members about rocketry basics. Project Icarus has taken full swing with this goal in mind and will be flying to an altitude of 10,000 feet at the June 2022 competition in the “Commercial Off-The-Shelf” (COTS) motor category.
PROJECTS
Icarus (2021-2022)
Mission Result: TBD
Design Phase: September 2021 – December 2021
Apogee: TBD (Projected 10,000 ft)
Motor: Aerotech M1845NT-PS
Airframe: 5” Fiberglass
Top Speed: TBD (Projected 965 ft/s)
Payload: Onboard dual-camera video transmission
SUBTEAMS
Structures
The PSP-SA Structures Team designs and tests student-built rocket components. This team is focused around the research and design of the airframe, fins, and nose cone. This year, they are responsible for designing an aluminum fin can and researching composite materials.
Avionics & Recovery
The Avionics and Recovery Team dedicates its time to the programming, fabrication, and design of all flight computers and sensor components in addition to the testing of rocket recovery systems. It works closely with the other teams to integrate all data necessary for a successful flight.
Payload
The Payload Team’s main objective is to design a payload to meet all of the competition requirements. This year, the payload consists of a dual-camera transmission system.
Manufacturing
The PSP-SA Manufacturing Team works closely with the Structures Team to fabricate student researched and designed components. The team provides consulting on the ease and capability of components to be developed.
Propulsion
The Propulsion Team is dedicated to the research and design of a solid propellant rocket motor. The team is utilizing a commercial motor for this year’s competition in hopes to develop these ideas further.
