Final Proposal

PROPOSAL FOR THE OFFICIATION OF THE EAGLE SPACE FLIGHT TEAM
Date of Submission: December 11, 2014
By:
Bryce Chanes
chanesb@my.erau.edu
William Carpenter
carpenw3@my.erau.edu
James Hudspeth
hudspetj@my.erau.edu
Joseph Prosper
prosperj@my.erau.edu
Raeann VanSickle
vansicr1@my.erau.edu
Ben Wilson
wilsob24@my.erau.edu
Submitted to:
Dr. Frank Ayers
Chancellor
Dr. Ronald Madler
Dean of College of Engineering
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, Arizona

i
Abstract
This proposal explores the Eagle Space Flight Team, an undergraduate research team attempting
to fly the first university sponsored rocket to the legal definition of space. Their unique position
to conquer this task stems from their institution, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a
devoted and leading school in Aeronautics and Astronautics. With a dedicated faculty and
student population they plan to succeed before any other college team in the Spring of 2017.
However, before the team can attempt this challenge they need administration support and the
facilities for assembling a large rocket vehicle.

ii
Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................ i
List of Graphics.............................................................................................................................. iv
Acknowledgements......................................................................................................................... v
1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Project Justification................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Student Interest...................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 Solution..................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Establishing the Eagle Space Flight Team............................................................................ 4
3.2 Team Structure...................................................................................................................... 5
3.2.1 Management ................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.2 Aerodynamics Team....................................................................................................... 6
3.2.3 Communications Team................................................................................................... 6
3.2.4 Electronics Team ............................................................................................................ 6
3.2.5 Propulsion Team............................................................................................................. 7
3.2.6 Software Team................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.7 Structures Team.............................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Work Completed ................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 Safety..................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.1 Construction.................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.2 Testing ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.4.3 Flight............................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Budget ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.6 Facilities ................................................................................................................................ 9
4.0 Future Work............................................................................................................................ 10
4.1 Spring 2015 ......................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Plan for Years 2015-2017 ................................................................................................... 12
5.0 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 12
5.1 Benefits................................................................................................................................ 12
5.1.1 Engineering Skills......................................................................................................... 12
5.1.2 Team Communication Skills ........................................................................................ 12

iii
5.1.3 Relationships with Industry.......................................................................................... 13
5.2 Future Plans......................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.1 Goal: Orbit.................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.2 Space-Launch Environment Testing ............................................................................ 13
References..................................................................................................................................... 13
Attributions ................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix....................................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix A: ESFT Roster ........................................................................................................ 15
Appendix B: Activity Fair Survey ............................................................................................ 16
Appendix C: Application .......................................................................................................... 18
Appendix D: Flight Vehicle Development Ignite Grant Proposal ............................................ 19
Appendix E: Propulsion Development Ignite Grant Proposal .................................................. 34

iv
List of Graphics
Figure 1: Student Interest................................................................................................................ 2
Figure 2: Project Completion Post Graduation............................................................................... 3
Figure 3: Commitment of Interested Students................................................................................ 3
Figure 5: Student Graduation Year................................................................................................. 4
Table 1: Establishing ESFT ............................................................................................................ 5
Figure 6: Eagle Space Flight Team Structure................................................................................. 6
Table 2: Fall 2014 ........................................................................................................................... 7
Table 3: Flight Vehicle ................................................................................................................. 10
Table 4: Propulsion....................................................................................................................... 11
Table 5: 2015-2017 Plan............................................................................................................... 12

v
Acknowledgements
The team would like to thank Dr. Julio Benavides for taking on the position as our faculty
advisor and revising our grant proposals, without him the team would not exist.
We would also like to thank Dr. Brenda Haven for assisting with our grant proposals and
supervising the propulsion team activities.
Thanks to Prof. Kodimer, Dr. Jaffe, Prof. Zwick, for stepping forward as team mentors for the
electrical, software, and aerodynamics teams.
And to the rest of the College of Engineering faculty (too many to name) for being available
during office hours to our teams many relentless questions.
A big thanks to Dr. Anne Boettcher, and the rest of the Undergraduate Research Institute for
supporting this project with the financial means to literally, get off the ground.
To the other 33 Eagle Space Flight Team members, who without them all would be for nothing.
We would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Matthew Haslam for providing the constructive
environment for starting our project and advising us through the creation and development of the
Eagle Space Flight Team. His many hours spent tearing apart our previous writings lead to this
document. Thank you.

Carpenter, Chanes, Hudspeth, Prosper, VanSickle, Wilson 1
1.0 Introduction
Eagle Space Flight Team is a selective club at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University created to
send the first student-built rocket to space. Existing since September 2014, the team has gone
from an idea to a team with forty members ready to launch a rocket to 30,000 feet in January
2015. Through a series of incremental launches the team plans to launch a rocket 62 miles high
by April of 2017. This rocket will be entirely student-built and designed and is expected to be 8
to 10 inches in diameter and will achieve speeds of up to Mach 5. This project will give students
hands-on experience in a real life engineering situation, while improving their team work
abilities as they will be required to work with other members of the teams.
Two other universities are currently pursuing the goal of sending a student-built rocket into
space. Boston University’s Rocket Propulsion Group is has been building and launching rockets
since 2003. Boston had designed and manufactured five rocket engines in the past three years,
working towards their goal of sending a rocket into space. Boston is currently working on a
rocket, Starscraper, that is thirty feet high with a diameter of one foot and will generate 13.345
kN of thrust. Boston hopes to send 100 pounds of payload into space with their rocket in summer
2015. Boston currently has a team of forty students working on their project divided into teams
for ground support, propulsion, electronics, airframe, and press.
The USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, from the University of Southern California, also plans
to launch a student-built rocket into space. USC’s team structure consists of a Chief Technology
Officer, Chief Avionics Engineer, Chief Design Engineer, Chief Composites Engineer Chief
Propulsion Engineer, and Chief Aerodynamics Engineer. USC’s most recent attempt to launch a
rocket into space occurred in September 2013. They hoped to reach a maximum altitude of
400,000 feet and a speed of Mach 5.5. Their rocket, Traveler, exploded after reaching 4,000 feet
due to faulty carbon in the motor casing.
Using the structure of these two teams as an idea of what the structure of Eagle Space Flight
Team should resemble, the team structure for ESFT was decided. Although each of these teams
have been working towards sending a student-built rocket to space for longer than the Eagle
Space Flight Team, the mistakes that they have already made can be learned from. Just like both
teams, we do not plan to launch just one rocket, but will launch 5 iterations of our rocket in
preparation for our final space-bound rocket.
The project most similar to what the ESFT will use for their spaceflight attempt is the GoFast
rocket built by the Civilian Space eXploration Team (CSXT). GoFast was the first confirmed
amateur rocket to reach space and was designed for a flight profile nearly identical to what the
ESFT will attempt in three years. CSXT made their first successful spaceflight in 2004 after
nearly ten years of work and four failed previous attempts. During the design phase of our
project, the ESFT will reach out to CSXT for information about their projects and will learn as
much as they can from them.

2.0 Project Justification
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is the world's top university for students
interested in developing a high-level career in aviation and aerospace, but currently there are
other non-specialized universities that will become pioneers in undergraduate spaceflight. As a
university that focuses in aerospace, this will not do. Not only would ERAU have a better chance
of success in a student-built rocket, but the project itself could benefit the school as a whole. This
project could attract students to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as emphasizing
ERAU’s already present focus on aerospace engineering. Other clubs/organizations with the
same goal exist at other Universities that do not have an emphasis in aeronautics. Because of the
planning and current organization of the team (see section 5.1.2) this club will combine multiple
disciplines of engineering. The club will be open to a large range of students with different
majors, varying from aerospace engineering to software to even business majors. Due to this
large range of majors, students in engineering majors would have the opportunity to expand their
skills in a real world situation as well as building communication skills with the different teams
in the club.
2.1 Student Interest
We conducted a survey at the Student Activity Fair on September 11, 2014 to gauge student
interest in a space oriented rocket club. Our survey (see Appendix B for complete survey)
determined student interest, commitment, and area of study to give us an idea of what students
would be interested in Eagle Space Flight Team.
Of the 82 students surveyed at the Activity Fair 96.1% expressed interest in joining Eagle Space
Flight Team, while only 3.9% were not interested in joining.
96.10%
3.90%
If approved by SGA, would you join this oganization?
Yes
No
Figure 1: Student Interest

To determine if there would be a drop off in student interest and club membership if the project
was completed after students’ graduation the following question was asked. It was found that
78.05% of students would still be interested in the club even if the launch occurred after their
graduation. This implies that even if members graduate before the project is completed, they will
still be committed and the team will not experience a drop off in membership.
Figure 2: Project Completion Post Graduation
To gauge how many hours interested students would be willing to commit to the project per
week the question seen below was asked. It was discovered that nearly 70% of the 82 students
surveyed were willing to commit more than 3 hours per week. These results proved that not only
were students interested in a space-bound rocket club, but that they were willing to commit time
to the team as well.
Figure 3: Commitment of Interested Students
1.22%
29.27%
52.44%
17.07%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
<1 hour 1-3 hours 3-5 hours >5 hours
Percentageofsurveyedstudents
Hours /week
How many hours per week would you be willing to commit to
this project?
21.95%
78.05%
Would your involvement in the club be altered if the
final launch occurs after your graduation?
Yes
No

Also to determine how sustainable our project might be we asked for students to select their
graduation year. Most interest came from those graduating in 2018, while selections were about
equal for students graduating in 2016 and 2017. These results mean that since that the of people
interested in Eagle Space Flight Team will not be graduating for at least 3 more years, there will
not be a large graduating class leading to the team falling apart.
The survey conducted at the student activity fair determined that there are many students
interested in a space-bound rocket club existing at Embry-Riddle. Not only were students
interested, but they were willing to devote time to the club upon its formation. It was also
determined that the club would be sustainable based off of the number of underclassmen
interested in the club.
3.0 Solution
3.1 Establishing the Eagle Space Flight Team
The Eagle Space Flight Team (ESFT) has been created specifically to conquer the task of
launching the first undergraduate rocket to space, over the next three years in a series of five
launch stages, each of which launches to a higher altitude and utilizes new student-designed and
student-built equipment. By the end of the 2014-2015 academic year, ESFT will have launched
three rockets to 20,000 feet, 30,000 feet, and 50,000 feet respectively and by Spring 2017, the
final rocket will have been launched higher than 360,000 feet, the internationally-recognized
altitude of space. Designing, building, and launching a rocket into space is no simple task, so
ESFT has been structured using a hierarchy system and has been split into six different teams:
Aerodynamics, Communications, Electronics, Propulsion, Software, and Structures. To maintain
the strength of Embry-Riddle’s reputation, the university needs to utilize its well-motivated and
well-qualified student body in ESFT which has the potential to beat other universities to space.
4.88%
20.73% 21.95%
42.68%
9.76%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
35.00%
40.00%
45.00%
2015 2016 2017 2018 >2018
Percentageofsurveyedstudnets
Expected Graduation Year
Graduation Year of Interested Students
Figure 5: Student Graduation Year

The first objective for the project was to establish the Eagle Space Flight Team. This required
advertising our existence, seeking interested students, and building a team of the most qualified
individuals we could find. Once a team was established, ESFT applied for funding to cover the
costs of the first year of research and production. The table below displays the timeline of tasks
that have been completed in order to start the project.
Table 1: Establishing ESFT
Task Details
Formed Proposal Team Developed idea of ESFT in Dr. Haslam’s COM 221 course
Student Activity Fair
Debut as a new organization on campus
Conducted survey: 96% of surveyed students showed interest
Became official club
Obtained SGA approval
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Benavides
Planned team operations
Team structure
Budget
1-year project timeline
3-year project timeline
Informational meetings
Informed interested students of project details
108 total attendees in two meetings
Application process
71 students applied
39 selected
Obtained funding
Applied for 2 ignite grants
Received $4,000 in total
3.2 Team Structure
The Eagle Space Flight Team consists of 40 members divided into 6 sub-teams. The sub-teams
are as follows: aerodynamics, communications, electrical, propulsion, software, and structures.
Each sub-team has a team lead responsible for holding weekly meetings and leading the
members of the team towards team milestones. Team leads were selected based on the
experience presented in their resume and application (see appendix for complete list of all team
members and leads). The overall team structure is as shown in figure 6 below.
The team will also have one main faculty advisor responsible for providing the team with a
source of technical information and to serve as a liaison between the team and the faculty. Dr.
Benavides was chosen as our main faculty advisor due to his knowledge in space systems. Each
sub-team will have their own faculty advisor, in order to provide them with a source of guidance
and knowledge in their respective area of expertise. Currently, Dr. Haven is the faculty advisor
for the propulsion team, Dr. Jaffe is the faculty advisor for the software team, and Professor
Kodimer is the faculty advisor for the electrical team.

3.2.1 Management
The management of the team will consist of a faculty advisor and a project manager. The faculty
Advisor, Dr. Julio Benavides, is responsible for providing technical consulting, serving as
administration liaison, and helping find suitable faculty and industry mentors for each of the sub-
team. The project manager, Bryce Chanes, is responsible for ensuring all club operations are
performed safely, overseeing project at large, and will be the head student contact for all
university and faculty discussions.
3.2.2 Aerodynamics Team
Lead by the Aerodynamics Team lead, Neil Nunan, the Aerodynamics Team is responsible for
monitoring the designing, modeling, and testing of the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The
Aerodynamics Team is responsible for constructing the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model
and simulating the flight of the flight vehicle.
3.2.3 Communications Team
Lead by the Communications Team lead, Lauren Barthenheier, the Communications Team is
responsible for maintaining and hosting all private and public information sites for the team,
editing and reviewing all team communications, and organizing and storing all team
documentations. The Communications Team is also responsible for creating an online presence
using social media, creating procedures and standards for documents, storing and backing up
documentation, and securing sponsors for future funding.
3.2.4 Electronics Team
Lead by the Electronics Team lead, Thomas Fifer, the Electronics Team is responsible for
leading the designing and building of the onboard flight computers for the rocket as well as
coordinating with the Software Team on data systems. The Electronics Team is responsible for
designing the electrical systems which include but are not limited to an apogee detection system,
a tracking system, a parachute deployment system, and a launch control system.
Faculty Advisor
Project
Manager
Aero
Lead
7
Members
Propulsion
Lead
7
Members
Structures
Lead
7
Members
Electronics
Lead
4
Members
Software
Lead
3
Members
Comms
Lead
5
Members
Figure 6: Eagle Space Flight Team Structure

3.2.5 Propulsion Team
Lead by the Propulsion Team lead, William Carpenter, the Propulsion Team is responsible for
the design, manufacturing, and testing of the solid rocket motors used in ESFT’s flight vehicles.
The team will also assemble motors and install their ignition devices before each of ESFT’s test
flights.
3.2.6 Software Team
Lead by the Software Team lead, Shawn Thompson, the Software Team is responsible for the
programming of the electronic flight systems for the rocket and accurately debugging and
assessing the performance of the rocket’s electronics. The Software Team is also responsible for
developing software to process the data from the electrical systems, ground control systems, and
the telemetry system.
3.2.7 Structures Team
Lead by the Structures Team lead, Chad Reinhart, the Structures Team is responsible for
managing the fabrication of the flight vehicles’ components and structural testing of airframes.
The Structures Team is also responsible for choosing appropriate construction materials based on
the Aerodynamics Team’s design and performing assembly the flight vehicles.
3.3 Work Completed
The Eagle Space Flight Team has only been in full operation for about six weeks, but in this
short time, it has been very productive as shown in Table 2, which shows the progress each
individual team has made since the creation of the team in late October 2014.
Table 2: Fall 2014
Team Tasks
Aerodynamics
Began research on airframe design
Began development of simulation software
Communications
Developed forms for each team to fill out for meeting minutes
Discussed further funding sources
Created a website and set up social media pages
Electrical
Began research on parachute deployment, telemetry, and apogee detect systems
Purchased necessary hardware for electrical systems
Propulsion
Propellant mixing training
Propellant mixing practice
Static fired practice motors
Designed test stand for first flight motor
Software Created diagrams of software structure
Structures
Began research on appropriate airframe materials and fabrication methods
Purchased materials for construction

3.4 Safety
Safety will be the highest priority in all work performed by the team. This is true for all phases of
the project; construction, testing, and flight.
3.4.1 Construction
Students responsible for assembly of the flight vehicle will follow any prudent safety procedures
for the work they are performing. All fabrication work done in AXFAB will be completed in
compliance with the safety rules for that facility, and appropriate personal protection equipment
(PPE) will be used for any work at any location.
During motor production, the propulsion team will wear eye protection, dust masks, and nitrile
gloves for all work with propellant chemicals. They will also observe all fire prevention
precautions necessary to keep their work safe.
3.4.2 Testing
While ground testing the vehicles’ parachute deployment systems, all students involved will
wear ear and eye protection and observe adequate personnel offset distances for the charge sizes
being used.
While conducting static test firings of rocket motors, the propulsion team will wear eye and ear
protection and ignite the motors electronically from a safe distance. They will also utilize the
concrete test cell and earthen trench at the on-campus motor test site for cover. The team will
also bring firefighting equipment (shovels, water, and fire extinguishers) to the test site and will
curtail testing on the recommendation of fire authorities during excessively dry conditions.
3.4.3 Flight
All test launches, whether performed in cooperation with a rocket club or independently by the
team, will be performed via electronic ignition from the personnel offset distances recommended
in the safety codes of national amateur rocketry organizations. Additionally, the team will fly
under an FAA waiver acquired by either a host rocket club or the team itself. During launch
preparation, all work with energetic materials (propellant, black powder deployment charges,
etc.) will be performed by team members who have practiced the procedures for that task. Before
charges are armed and the igniter is inserted into the motor, all unnecessary personnel will move
away from the rocket.

3.5 Budget
Table 2: Total Project Budget
Year Item Price
1
30,000 ft. Rocket
Vehicle $ 600.00
Electronics $ 800.00
Motor Hardware $ 500.00
Propulsion Chemicals $ 200.00
50,000 ft. Rocket
Vehicle $ 400.00
Motor Hardware $ 600.00
Propulsion Chemicals $ 400.00
2
100,000 ft. Rocket
Vehicle $ 1,200.00
Motor Hardware $ 1,200.00
Propulsion Chemicals $ 1,800.00
3
400,000 ft. Rocket
Vehicle $ 2,000.00
Electronics $ 1,000.00
Motor Hardware $ 6,000.00
Propulsion Chemicals $ 9,000.00
Grand Total $ 26,900.00
The budget listed above shows our team’s budget from the beginning of the project to the
conclusion. The numbers are based on the current cost of materials and does not include the
transportation fees needed to attend various launches. We believe the total shown represents a
very close figure to that we will see as we complete the project.
3.6 Facilities
In construction of the flight vehicles leading up to and including the rocket for the space launch,
the team will make use of the facilities and resources offered by the university. Fabrication for
specific components of the rocket will take place in AXFAB, and the propulsion team is already
working with propulsion department faculty to organize use of the propulsion lab. However, the
project will need its own space in which to store materials and perform rocket assembly. This
facility will need to be able to support assembly of rockets up to the 21’ estimated size of the
space flight vehicle and provide appropriate flammable materials cabinets to store propellant
before flight.

4.0 Future Work
4.1 Spring 2015
Table 3: Flight Vehicle
Team Tasks Details Start Finish
Design 3"-dia. rocket
Aero: model and simulate airframe
Structures: purchase airframe components
Electrical: start parachute deployment design
Software: begin software for the electrical team
10/26/14 11/25/14
Build 3"-dia. rocket
Aero: design and simulate next airframe
Structures: build airframe
Electrical: install parachute deployment system
Software: support electrical team
1/7/15 1/23/15
Launch 3"-dia.
rocket
Use a purchased commercial size M motor
Launch in Arizona
1/24/15
Prepare for next
launch
All teams troubleshoot and modify for the next
launch
Reflect and plan for Phase 2
1/26/15 2/20/15
Launch 3"-dia.
rocket
Use the propulsion team's experimental M motor
Launch in Arizona
2/21/15
Reflect and plan for Phase 2 2/23/15 2/28/15
Aero: design and simulate 4"-diameter air frame
Structures: build components, choose materials
Electrical: improve parachute, design track
system
Software: improve software, develop data
analysis
1/26/15 2/6/15
Aero: simulate and model for 6"-diameter
airframe
Structures: build airframe, ground test
Electrical: install electrical systems into airframe
2/9/15 4/3/15
Launch 4"-dia.
rocket
Launch in Mojave Desert, California 4/4/15
The first year of the project consists of two rocket launches; the first launch consists of a student-
designed flight vehicle with a commercial motor while the second launch will utilize the same
launch vehicle with a motor built by the propulsion team. Table 3 shows the Spring 2015
timeline of the flight vehicle development groups which include the following teams:
aerodynamics, structures, electrical, and software.

Table 4: Propulsion
Team Tasks Details Start Finish
Propellant training Train members on mixing propellant 10/26/2014 11/3/2014
Propellant mix practice
All members mix and burn 38mm 2-
grain motors
11/7/2014 11/14/2014
Mix 54mm 4-grain motor
Mix and burn 54mm 4-grain motor as
a group
11/16/2014 11/25/2014
Build Characterization
Hardware
Prepare 54mm forward closure for
characterization
Assemble test stand from components
in propulsion lab
1/7/2015 1/23/2015
1st 30,000' Test Launch
First launch experience for team
members
Educate members on motor assembly
and flight Assemble commercially-
made motor for flight
1/24/2015
Characterize Propellant
Characterize propellant using 54mm 4-
grain motors
Design and simulate 75mm 6-grain
motor
1/26/2015 1/30/2015
Mix test motor for 30,000'
flight
Mix 75mm 6-grain M motor 2/2/2015 2/6/2015
Static fire 30,000' flight
motor
Measure 75mm 6-grain motor
performance
2/9/2015 2/13/2015
Mix 30,000' flight motor
Mix 75mm 6-grain motor for next
flight
2/16/2015 2/20/2015
2nd 30,000' Test Launch
Launch rocket using student-made
75mm motor
2/21/2015
Reflect and plan for 50,000' rocket 2/23/2015 2/28/2015
Design 50,000' flight motor
Design 98mm 6-grain motor and run
simulations
3/2/2015 3/6/2015
Mix test motor for 50,000'
flight
3/9/2015 3/13/2015
Static fire 50,000' flight
motor
Measure 98mm 6-grain motor
performance
3/16/2015 3/20/2015
Mix 50,000' flight motor 3/23/2015 3/27/2015
50,000' test launch
Launch rocket using student-made
98mm motor
4/4/2015
Reflect and plan for 100,000' rocket 4/6/2015 4/10/2015
The propulsion system requires a separate timeline from the rest of the project due to the
complications involved with developing propellants. The first team rocket launch, for instance,
will utilize a commercial rocket motor while the propulsion team develops its own motor for the
second launch.

4.2 Plan for Years 2015-2017
The entire project has been planned out to last three years with a final launch taking place in
April 2017. Each launch provides experience that is imperative for the next step.
Table 5: 2015-2017 Plan
5.0 Conclusion
5.1 Benefits
There are many benefits of creating this club, from attracting students, to boosting team
member’s skills. Many students looking for a college to attend, who have an interest in rocketry
or space, would see this as a further reason to seek out acceptance into Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University. Each member of the team has an equal opportunity to expand their
knowledge and understanding of how an engineering team works. The coms team members will
develop the skills necessary to design and maintain a successful webpage while working with
companies outside of campus to acquire further funding for the project. All of these students will
also develop the necessary communication skills that are required of students who obtain a career
in engineering.
5.1.1 Engineering Skills
Students that participate in this club will develop and refine engineering skills due to the fact that
they will be designing and building a spacefaring rocket. Each team (except for the
communications team) has a focus in engineering. Students that are a part of the propulsion team
will develop an understanding of what it takes to build a rocket engine and how to properly mix
the materials for fuel. In the structures and aero teams, students will develop skills and an
understanding of the design of a rocket’s body and aerodynamics. The electrical and software
teams will design and build the multiple components that are required for a successful launch,
altitude test, and recovery.
5.1.2 Team Communication Skills
Because the club will be split into multiple teams, each focusing on separate, important parts of
the rocket, the members of different teams will have to convey information to each other through
Year Milestones
2015-2016
Design and begin building a 6” dia. for 100,000’ at Mach 3
Acquire FAA Class 3 Waiver for launch site in Black Rock Desert
Complete construction of 6” rocket
Perform a test flight of the 6” rocket using a student-built motor
2016-2017
Design and begin building 10” diameter rocket for 100km and surpassing Mach 5
Complete construction of 10” rocket
Launch 10” rocket on a suborbital space flight

different forms of communication. Each team will also have to keep a record of their meetings,
depicting what they did and how they did it. This will be done in a professional manner, allowing
students to develop the communication skills that will be used in engineering careers.
5.1.3 Relationships with Industry
Since the Eagle Space Flight Team plans to pursue sponsorship from businesses within the
aerospace industry, this will give the team a chance to make connections with industry. This
connection with industry will be valuable for ESFT members, providing them with contacts to
people within the aerospace industry.
5.2 Future Plans
Building and launching the rocket will not be the end of the club. There is plenty that can done
after reaching space. Upon success, there is the option of seeking a higher altitude, eventually
making orbit after many launches later. Another possible option is to accept payloads from
EagleSat or other local clubs/businesses who wish to test their payload in a space-launch
environment. There is even the possibility of seeking both options.
5.2.1 Goal: Orbit
With changing the goal of the club from reaching space to making orbit after the successful
space launch, many more years of work are made available. In order to achieve orbit the club
would have to start off with higher-altitude launch goals, until orbit could be achieved. The club
would also have to make sure the orbital rocket didn't interfere with any current orbital objects.
With the addition of this goal, there would be plenty more to do. Research would have to be done
on orbital vehicles as well as current objects in orbit.
5.2.2 Space-Launch Environment Testing
The second option is to offer the rocket to local organizations that wish to test their project in a
space-launch environment. In doing so, ESFT could obtain future funding from deals that could
be made with organizations that wish to test their project. EagleSat is one of the few
organizations that are local that could benefit from testing their satellite in a launch environment.
Other organizations don't exactly have to be local as there are not many rockets nearby that could
reach space.
References
"Boston University Rocket Propulsion Group | Crossing the Edge." Boston University Rocket
Propulsion Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
"Welcome to CSXT - the Civilian Space EXploration Team." Welcome to CSXT - the Civilian
Space EXploration Team. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
"USCRPL | University of Southern California Rocket Propulsion Laboratory." USCRPL |
University of Southern California Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.

Attributions
Team Member Tasks Performed
William Carpenter Researched similar amateur rocket projects
Wrote IGNITE grant proposal for Propulsion group
Tabulated Propulsion budget for future ESFT rockets
Wrote paragraph describing CSXT
Wrote and revised Safety and Facilities sections
Created and revised Propulsion timeline
Bryce Chanes Wrote the abstract
Wrote the acknowledgments section
Tallied the budget section and researched values
Wrote budget justification
Came up with project idea
Pitched project to Dr. Haslam and class
Started the proposal writing process
Filed for SGA approval
Organized student activities fair attendance
Planned and ran all team meetings
Organized proposal team meetings and agendas
Overall editing and proofreading
James Hudspeth Co-Wrote Project Justification
Wrote Conclusion, Benefits, and Future Plans sections
Revised drafts of the final proposal
Researched faculty interest in ESFT
Joe Prosper Created cover page for final proposal
Wrote Establishing ESFT and team descriptions
Revised drafts of the final proposal
Researched commercial rocketry projects
Raeann VanSickle Wrote Introduction section and similar university projects
Researched similar university projects and compiled important information
Wrote and formatted student interest section
Wrote introduction to Team Structure section
Revised benefits section and added relationships with industry sub-section
Revised all sections of the proposal
Ben Wilson Compiled and formatted proposal
Wrote Work Completed and Future Work sections
Created ESFT team roster table
Created, conducted, compiled data from Activity Fair Survey
Created ESFT Application Form
Maintained contact with potential ESFT members while starting the club
Actively participated in all meeting discussions and activities
Documented ESFT meeting minutes prior to Comms Team creation
Compiled and formatted Flight Vehicle Proposal
Wrote Project Summary, Approach, Expected Outcome and Significance, Timeline, and
Budget Justification for Flight Vehicle Proposal
Created Budget Table for Flight Vehicle Proposal

Appendix
Appendix A: ESFT Roster
Team Name Major Graduation Year
Project Manager Bryce Chanes Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2017
Aerodynamics
Neil Nunan Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2016
Alexander Lubiarz Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Carl Leake Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2017
Catherine Ayotte Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Donald Crowder Aviation Business Administration 2019
Jesse Ives Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Jonathan Kozich Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2015
Nicholas Liapis Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Communications
Lauren Barthenheier Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics 2018
Delbert Conn Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2016
James Hudspeth Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2017
Kurt Andrada Electrical Engineering-Space 2015
Nicholas Mallott Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Joey Prosper Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2017
Electrical
Thomas Fifer Electrical Engineering 2016
Alaysia Marshall Electrical Engineering 2018
Garrison Bybee Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Brandon Klefman Computer Engineering 2017
Propulsion
William Carpenter Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion 2017
Richard Reksoatmodjo Space Physics-Exotic Propulsion 2017
Aaron Butler Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion 2016
Julia Levitt Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Laura Pelletier Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion 2016
Landon Jones Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2018
Ben Wilson Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion 2016
Raeann VanSickle Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2017
Software
Shawn Thompson Computer Engineering 2017
Ryan Claus Software Engineering 2017
Seerat Sangha Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics 2016
Tyler Graveline Software Engineering 2017
Structures
Chad Reinart Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2017
Alexander Collins Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2016
Brandon Parrish Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics 2016
Claire Schindler Aeronautical Science 2017
Loren Bahr Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2016
Nicole Shriver Aerospace Engineering 2017
Nina Rogerson Aerospace Engineering 2018
Veronica McGowan Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics 2016

Appendix B: Activity Fair Survey
1 In what college is your major of study?
Answer Choices Responses
Arts & Sciences 5.00% 4
Aviation 8.75% 7
Engineering 82.50% 66
Security & Intelligence 3.75% 3
Total 80
Skips 2
2
If you answered College of Engineering for the above question, please select the majors(s) &
concentration(s) in which you are participating (if you are not in the College of Engineering, you do not
need to respond to this question):
Aerospace Engineering- Aeronautics 19.40% 13
Aerospace Engineering- Astronautics 52.24% 35
Mechanical Engineering- Propulsion 13.43% 9
Mechanical Engineering- Robotics 4.48% 3
Mechanical Engineering- Energy 0.00% 0
Computer Engineering 4.48% 3
Electrical Engineering 5.97% 4
Software Engineering 0.00% 0
Total 67
Skips 15
3
As an indication of your interest in the project, how many hours per week during the school year would
you be willing to spend on planning, designing, building, and launching rockets?
<1 hour 1.22% 1
1-3 hours 29.27% 24
3-5 hours 52.44% 43
>5 hours 17.07% 14
Total 82
Skips 0
4 What is your expected graduation year?
2015 4.88% 4
2016 20.73% 17
2017 21.95% 18
2018 42.68% 35
>2018 9.76% 8
Total 82
Skips 0

5
Would your involvment or interest in the club be altered if you knew that the final launch might happen
after your graduation?
Yes 21.95% 18
No 78.05% 64
Total 82
Skips 0
6 If approved by the SGA, would you join this organization?
Yes 96.10% 74
No 3.90% 3
Total 77
Skips 5

Appendix C: Application

Appendix D: Flight Vehicle Development Ignite Grant Proposal
Flight Vehicle Development Proposal
Eagle Space Flight Team
Prepared for:
IGNITE Undergraduate Research Institute at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Date of Submission:
October 22, 2014
Project Manager:
Bryce Chanes, Aerospace Engineering, Class 2017, chanesb@my.erau.edu
Team Leads:
Aerodynamics: Neil Nunan, Aerospace Engineering, Class 2016, nunann@my.erau.edu
Comms: Lauren Barthenheier, Aerospace Engineering, Class 2018, barthenl@my.erau.edu
Electrical: Thomas Fifer, Electrical Engineering, Class 2016, fifert@my.erau.edu
Propulsion: William Carpenter, Mechanical Engineering, Class 2017, carpenw3@my.erau.edu
Software: Shawn Thompson, Computer Engineering, Class 2017, thomps16@my.erau.edu
Structures: Chad Reinart, Aerospace Engineering, Class 2017, reinarc1@my.erau.edu
Faculty Advisor:
Julio Benavides, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, julio.benavides1@erau.edu
Total Funds Requested: $3,674.34

Project Summary
Flight Vehicle Development
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the world’s leading aeronautical university, but at the
current time, there are other non-specialized universities which will become the pioneers in
undergraduate spaceflight if Embry-Riddle does not endorse a team that will strive to launch the
first student-built unmanned rocket into space. The Eagle Space Flight Team (ESFT) has been
created specifically to conquer this task over the next three years in a series of five launch stages,
each of which launches to a higher altitude and utilizes new student-designed and student-built
equipment. By the end of the 2014-2015 academic year, ESFT will have launched three rockets
to 20,000 feet, 30,000 feet, and 50,000 feet respectively and by Spring 2017, the final rocket will
have been launched higher than 360,000 feet, the internationally-recognized altitude of space.
Designing, building, and launching a rocket into space is no simple task, so ESFT has been
compartmentalized into three main teams that will each handle a smaller piece of the overall
project. To maintain the strength of Embry-Riddle’s reputation, the university needs to utilize its
well-motivated and well-qualified student body in ESFT which has the potential to beat other
universities to space. Since ESFT has already initialized the process through planning and team
recruiting, the next step is to earn funding from the university which it proudly represents.
Project Description
Background
In 2004, the Civilian Space EXploration Team (CSXT) successfully flew the first amateur rocket
to space. With a team lead by Ky Michaelson, it took 7 years of work to make their fourth
attempt a successful reality. Since then teams around the world have been trying to replicate
Michaelson’s success. Both University of Southern California (USC) and Boston University
have teams poised to capture the title of “first collegiate” rocket team to space. Their academic
programs in aerospace engineering are not as internationally recognized as ours here at ERAU.
The USC program started in 2005 and has made two unsuccessful spaceflight attempts.
A majority of the engineering students here plan to work in the aerospace field, and while their
academics are impressive there is a need for relevant and hands-on project experience. The Eagle
Space Flight Team will provide students with a space-oriented project that will apply directly to
what they plan to do beyond college, as well as work as part of a large engineering team.
Approach
To maintain focus and consistent progress over the span of the six-semester project, milestones
have been defined to divide the project in to five launches. The first three launches will occur
within the 2014-2015 academic year as shown in Table 1. The first rocket will consist of a
student-built airframe, commercial electronics, and a commercial rocket motor and will launch to
20,000 feet; this will allow members to experience a high-power rocket launch and develop
understanding which will be needed for designing in the future phases of the project. The second
rocket will reach 30,000 feet and utilize the same airframe from the first launch, but all of the
commercially-built components will be replaced with student-built components; all of the

components from this point forward will be completely student-built. In April 2016, the third
rocket, which will be a subscale model of the final rocket, will be launched to an altitude of
50,000 feet, concluding the academic year. With a fundamental understanding of high-power
rocketry, ESFT will advance to a fourth launch in Fall 2016 which will reach an altitude of
150,000 feet and finally to its fifth and final launch of 360,000 feet which is the legally-defined
altitude of space.
It is expected that each individual rocket launch will bring rise to a significant number of
challenges which is why ESFT has divided the team into three main teams (as illustrated in
Figure 1): communications, vehicle design, and propulsion. The vehicle design team is further
divided into four sub-teams which handle specific parts of the vehicle; these teams are assigned
to specific aspects of the vehicle as follows: aerodynamics, structures, electrical, and software.
The aerodynamics team is always one launch cycle ahead of the other teams as it is designing,
modeling, and simulating the geometry of the airframe. The structures team is responsible for
choosing appropriate materials for the airframe design as well as constructing the airframe. The
electrical team handles electrical systems for flight tracking and parachute deployment. The
software team develops all data analysis software for the tracking system. The propulsion team is
working parallel to the vehicle development team to development its own experimental motors to
be used in the rocket. Lastly, the communications team handles all club business including
promotion, documentation, and funding. The members of ESFT were chosen based on their
qualifications for the project from a pool of 71 applicants; the final team roster is listed in the
Appendix.
The resources required to complete the vehicle design portion of the project include materials
needed to construct the flight vehicle. These materials are listed in the budget in Table 2 and are
categorized into three main categories: airframe, motor, and electrical. All of the listed materials
are necessary for the completion of each rocket, and many of the materials will be reused for
multiple launches. For example, the components used to build the first airframe will be reused in
the second launch and the electrical components used in the second launch will be improved
upon but largely reused in the remainder of the project.
To ensure the completion of the project, each team is required to meet 3-5 hours per week and
meet deadlines which have been clearly defined in ESFT’s project timeline (Table 1). Limiting
factors to reaching said deadlines stem from a lack of relevant experience among some members
Figure 1: The overall team
structure of the Eagle Space Flight
Team. Within the Vehicle Design
Team are the following teams:
Aerodynamics: 8 members
Electrical: 5 members
Software: 4 members
Structures: 8 members
Each team will operate under a
team lead that will each report to
the Project Manager.

and a need for necessary funding. The variance in rocketry experience among the members of
ESFT may be viewed as both an advantage and disadvantage. Less-experienced members will
bring new perspectives to the design process, boosting team creativity and innovation. More-
knowledgeable members will also be able to teach others from their own experiences, developing
communication and teamwork skills across ESFT. Funding issues will initially be approached by
seeking grants, but once ESFT is more established in the rocket community, the communications
team will be seeking corporate sponsorships.
Expected Outcome and Significance
ESFT will be launching an unmanned rocket into space by April 2017; this will have a very
positive affect Embry-Riddle’s merit as the world’s leading aeronautical university. For this to
happen, however, it is imperative that all of the launch cycles prior to this date are completed so
that the final rocket’s systems can be sufficiently matured. The first three launches, in particular,
will provide a necessary foundation for both team development and rocket development. The
first launch to 20,000 feet will provide team members with their first experience of high-power
rocketry while using mostly commercially-built components that will ensure the success of this
first flight. Having gained insight into the world of amateur rocketry, the team will be ready to
launch its first completely student-designed and student-built rocket to an altitude of 30,000 feet.
The third launch, which will also be the final launch of the 2014-2015 academic year, will test
ESFT’s first subscale model of the rocket which will be launched to space; it will reach an
altitude of 150,000 feet. The third launch will prepare ESFT for the challenges that lie ahead in
the much higher-altitude goals of launch four and launch five.
Training and Approval Required
Many licenses, certifications, and approvals are required to launch amateur rockets of the scale
previously discussed. The team has been selected to insure the inclusion of the students that hold
the proper credentials. To operate the solid fuel motors the team will be using, at least one team
member must hold a valid Level 2 or higher National Association of Rocketry (NAR) or Tripoli
Rocketry Association (TRA) issued certification, the 2014-2015 team consists of three of these
holders. In order to launch a rocket to the altitudes requires an FAA issued waiver. These
waivers are obtained by model rocket clubs and when the team travels to their launch site we
have legal access to the airspace. Some members of the team will be constructing the rocket,
these members will be required to take the machine shop safety course before they work in the
shop.
Researcher Backgrounds and Responsibilities
ESFT is a very large team, therefore, only the team leads have been listed below.
Dr. Julio Benavides, Faculty Advisor, Assistant Professor Aerospace and Mechanical
Engineering
Background
 B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University

 M.S. - Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Pennsylvania State
University
 Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering, Pennsylvania State
University
Responsibilities
 Provide technical consulting
 Serve as administration liaison
 Help find suitable faculty and industry mentors for each of the sub-team
Bryce Chanes, Project Manager , Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics, Class of 2017
Background
 7 years of amateur rocket experience
 California Pyrotechnics License
 Level 3 Certified with National Association of Rocketry
 Board member of Rocketry Organization of California
Responsibilities
 To ensure all club operations are performed safely
 Oversee project at large
 Head student contact for all university and faculty discussions
Neil Nunan, Aerodynamics Team Lead, Aerospace Engineering- Astronautics, Class of 2016
Background
 Captain of FIRST robotics team
 Aerodynamics design intern for Triumph Aerostructures
Responsibilities
 Monitor the design, modeling and testing of the aerodynamics of the vehicle
Lauren Barthenheier, Communications Team Lead, Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics, Class
of 2018
Background
 Communication liaison for mock Search and Rescue activity
 Large group experience
Responsibilities
 Maintain and host all team private and public information sites
 Edit and review all team communications
 Organize and store all team documentation
Thomas Fifer, Electrical Team Lead, Electrical Engineering, Class of 2016
Background
 Eagle Robotics electronics lead
 CubeSat electrical team member
Responsibilities
 Lead team in designing and building the onboard flight computers for the rocket
 Coordinate with software team do test flight systems

Shawn Thompson, Software Team Lead, Computer Engineering, Class of 2017
Background
 CubeSat Programming team lead
 LCF Enterprises Intern
Responsibilities
 Manage the programming of the flight systems for the rocket
 Accurately debug and assess the performance of the rockets electronics
Chad Reinart, Structures Team Lead, Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics, Class of 2017
Background
 AIAA DBF Vice President
 COE CAM mentor
Responsibilities
 Constructing vehicle components
 Structural testing of components
 Making choices for materials

Timeline
Table 1 includes a timeline with the milestones that will be reached throughout this academic
year. The 2014-2015 academic year makes up the first two phases on the overall project, and
each phase is broken down into tasks which must be completed in order to complete the phase.
The bolded dates denote the start and end dates of each phase. The tasks are described with
details which include information specific to the particular events and the tasks of each
individual sub-team (Aero, structures, electrical, software).
Table 1: 2014-2015 Flight Vehicle Timeline
Phase Team Tasks Details Start Finish
1
Aero: model and simulate airframe
Structures: purchase airframe components
Electrical: start parachute deployment design
Software: begin software for the electrical team
10/26/14 11/25/14
Aero: design and simulate next airframe
Structures: build airframe
Electrical: install parachute deployment system
1/7/15 1/23/15
Launch 3"-dia. rocket
Use a purchased commercial size M motor
Launch in Arizona
1/24/15
Prepare for next launch
All teams troubleshoot and modify for the next
launch
1/26/15 2/20/15
Launch 3"-dia. rocket
Use the propulsion team's experimental M motor
Launch in Arizona
2/21/15
2
Aero: design and simulate 4"-diameter air frame
Structures: build components, choose materials
Electrical: improve parachute, design track system
Software: improve software, develop data analysis
1/26/15 2/6/15
Aero: simulate and model for 6"-diameter airframe
Structures: build airframe, ground test
Electrical: install electrical systems into airframe
2/9/15 4/3/15
Launch 4"-dia. rocket Launch in Mojave Desert, California 4/4/15
The timeline was developed as such to allow the team to progressively approach the space flight
goal of the Eagle Space Flight Team. The completion of each task will provide the team with the
knowledge and skills required to approach the next task. This timeline also works in conjunction
with a separate timeline that the Propulsion Team will be utilizing to develop its own motors
which are to be used in the launch vehicle.

Budget
The expenses of the Eagle Space Flight Team consist mostly of tangible materials used to build
the rockets and travel expenses for rocket launches as shown in Table 2. Shipping costs have
been included for each individual vendor and travel expenses were approximated by calculating
round-trip mileage for each launch, using an approximate gas mileage value of 17 mpg, and the
national average regular gas price of $3.20/gallon. The Prescott, Arizona local sales tax rate was
used in estimating the grand total shown at the bottom right-hand corner of the table.
Table 2: Flight Vehicle Planned Expenses
Category Vendor Item Unit Price
Quantit
y
Total
Airframe
Bay Area
Rocketry
E-matches (10) $ 20.00 1 $ 20.00
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
Fruity Chutes
60" High density Parachute $ 203.00 1 $ 203.00
Shipping $ 15.00 1 $ 15.00
McMaster Carr
Zip ties $ 2.43 1 $ 2.43
5’ Surgical tubing $ 9.55 1 $ 9.55
24” x 12” x 0.125" Fiberglass fin
stock
$ 26.46 1 $ 26.46
24” x 12” x 0.125" Aluminum fin
stock
$ 48.17 1 $ 48.17
Shipping $ 15.00 1 $ 15.00
Wildman
Rocketry
7’ of 3" FWFG Tubing $ 20.51 7 $ 143.57
3" x 9" coupler $ 20.78 1 $ 20.78
3" Nosecone $ 59.00 1 $ 59.00
AvBay Bulkplates $ 16.00 3 $ 48.00
Miscellaneous Hardware $ 50.00 1 $ 50.00
Yard of Kevlar shock cord $ 2.50 20 $ 50.00
18” Drouge $ 7.25 1 $ 7.25
24" of 4" coupler tube $ 76.00 1 $ 76.00
4" FWFG Nosecone $ 69.00 1 $ 69.00
Shipping $ 30.00 1 $ 30.00
Motor Loki Research
76/6000 Case/Closures/Nozzle $ 335.00 1 $ 335.00
M1882 Flight motor $ 342.50 1 $ 342.50
Hazmat Shipping $ 27.50 1 $ 27.50
Shipping $ 15.00 1 $ 15.00

Table 2: Flight Vehicle Planned Expenses (continued)
Category Vendor Item Unit Price Quantity Total
Electronics
Adept Rocketry
Radio Transmitter $ 59.00 1 $ 59.00
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
ApogeeComponents
Barometer Sensor $ 42.75 1 $ 42.75
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
ArrowAntennas
ArrowAntennas (Tracking) $ 85.00 1 $ 85.00
Shipping $ 15.00 1 $ 15.00
Atmel
Microcontroller $ 149.99 1 $ 159.99
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
BigRedBee
Beeline GPS 100mW Tracker $ 284.99 1 $ 284.99
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
Kenwood Kenwood TH-D72A $ 449.00 1 $ 449.00
MissileWorks
Missileworks RRC3 $ 69.95 1 $ 69.95
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
Newark
Magnetometer $ 26.80 1 $ 26.80
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
Parallax
Power Supply $ 49.99 1 $ 49.99
4-Load Sensors $ 24.99 4 $ 99.96
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
PerfectFlite
Perfectflite Stratologger
altimeter
$ 71.96 1 $ 71.96
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
Radio Shack Miscellaneous Electronics $ 70.00 1 $ 70.00
Sparkfun
Accelerometer $ 27.95 1 $ 27.95
Shipping $ 10.00 1 $ 10.00
Travel
ESFT Launch 1 181 miles at 17 mpg $ 3.20/gal 10.6 $ 34.07
ESFT Launch 2 752 miles at 17 mpg $ 3.20/gal 44.2 $ 141.55
Tax 8.35% $ 283.16
Grand Total $ 3,674.34

Justification
All of these supplies will allow the Eagle Space Flight Team to gain the experience necessary to
work on a supersonic, high altitude rocket. Each component is used by the team to construct and
experiment a section of the rocket. The travel expenses will allow for the rocket to be transported
to a launch site which is to be approved by the Bureau of Land Management.

Appendix
Appendix A: Eagle Space Flight Team Roster
Table 3 includes the current roster of the Eagle Space Flight Team. The names of team leads are in Bold text.
Table 3: 2014-2015 Final Eagle Space Flight Team
Team Name Major Class Standing Graduation Year Email
Project Manager Bryce Chanes Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 chanesb@my.erau.edu
Aerodynamics
Neil Nunan Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 nunann@my.erau.edu
Alexander Lubiarz Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 lubiarza@my.erau.edu
Carl Leake Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 leakec@my.erau.edu
Catherine Ayotte Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 ayottec1@my.erau.edu
Donald Crowder Aviation Business Administration Freshman 2019 cadetcrowder@gmail.com
Jesse Ives Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 ivesj@my.erau.edu
Jonathan Kozich Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Senior 2015 kozichj@my.erau.edu
Nicholas Liapis Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 npliapis@cox.net
Communications
Lauren Barthenheier Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics Freshman 2018 barthenl@my.erau.edu
Delbert Conn Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 connd1@my.erau.edu
James Hudspeth Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 hudspetj@my.erau.edu
Kurt Andrada Electrical Engineering-Space Senior 2015 andradak@my.erau.edu
Nicholas Mallott Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 mallottn@my.erau.edu
Joey Prosper Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 prosperj@my.erau.edu
Electrical
Thomas Fifer Electrical Engineering Junior 2016 fifert@my.erau.edu
Alaysia Marshall Electrical Engineering Freshman 2018 marsha11@my.erau.edu
Garrison Bybee Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 bybeeg@my.erau.edu
Branden Olson Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 olsonb6@my.erau.edu
Brandon Klefman Computer Engineering Sophomore 2017 branman141414@gmail.com

2014-2015 Final Eagle Space Flight Team (continued)
Propulsion
William Carpenter Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Sophomore 2017 carpenw3@my.erau.edu
Richard
Reksoatmodjo
Space Physics-Exotic Propulsion Sophomore 2017 reksoatr@my.erau.edu
Aaron Butler Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Junior 2016 butlera7@my.erau.edu
Julia Levitt Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 levittj1@my.erau.edu
Laura Pelletier Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Junior 2016 pelletil@my.erau.edu
Landon Jones Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 jonesl31@my.erau.edu
Ben Wilson Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Junior 2016 wilsob24@my.erau.edu
Raeann VanSickle Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 rvansickle13@gmail.com
Software
Shawn Thompson Computer Engineering Sophomore 2017 thomps16@my.erau.edu
Ryan Claus Software Engineering Sophomore 2017 ryan.w.claus@gmail.com
Seerat Sangha Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics Junior 2016 sanghas@my.erau.edu
Tyler Graveline Software Engineering Sophomore 2017 gravelit@my.erau.edu
Structures
Chad Reinart Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 reinarc1@my.erau.edu
Alexander Collins Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 collina5@my.erau.edu
Brandon Parrish Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics Junior 2016 parrisb1@my.erau.edu
Claire Schindler Aeronautical Science Sophomore 2017 schindc2@my.erau.edu
Loren Bahr Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 bahrl@my.erau.edu
Nicole Shriver Aerospace Engineering Sophomore 2017 shrivern@my.erau.edu
Nina Rogerson Aerospace Engineering Freshman 2018 rogerson@my.erau.edu
Veronica McGowan Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 mcgowanv@my.erau.edu
Faculty Advisor Julio Benavides Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering julio.benavides1@erau.edu

Appendix B: Eagle Space Flight Team 3-Year Plan

Acknowledgements
The team would like to recognize the support of Dr. Matthew Haslam in its founding. ESFT was
founded by a group in Dr. Haslam’s Technical Report Writing class, and he has been a great
resource for the team in its early days.
References
Propulsion Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.
"National Gas Price Average Archives - AAA NewsRoom." AAA NewsRoom. N.p., n.d. Web. 19
Oct. 2014.
"Prescott, AZ Sales Tax Rate." Prescott, AZ Sales Tax Rate. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.
"USCRPL | University of Southern California Rocket Propulsion Laboratory." USCRPL |
University of Southern California Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.
"Welcome to CSXT - the Civilian Space EXploration Team." Welcome to CSXT - the Civilian
Space EXploration Team. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.
Mentors’ Letters
See the attached letter from Dr. Julio Benavides.

Appendix E: Propulsion Development Ignite Grant Proposal
Propulsion Development Proposal
Prepared for:
IGNITE Undergraduate Research Institute at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Date of Submission:
October 22, 2014
Project Manager:
Bryce Chanes, Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2017, chanesb@my.erau.edu
Propulsion Team Lead:
William Carpenter, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2017, carpenw3@my.erau.edu
Team Members:
Richard Reksoatmodjo, Space Physics, Class of 2017, reksoatr@my.erau.edu
Aaron Butler, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2016, butlera7@my.erau.edu
Julia Levitt, Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2018 , levittj1@my.erau.edu
Laura Pelletier, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2016, pelletil@my.erau.edu
Landon Jones, Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2018, jonesl31@my.erau.edu
Ben Wilson, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2016, wilsob24@my.erau.edu
Raeann VanSickle, Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2017, rvansickle13@gmail.com
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Brenda Haven, Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering, Brenda.Haven@erau.edu

35
Project Summary
The Eagle Space Flight Team (ESFT) is a team with the ultimate goal of making Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University the first college to successfully launch a student designed and built
sounding rocket on a suborbital space flight and recover it safely. The team’s first two steps
toward that goal will be to build two rockets, one 3” in diameter and the other 4” in diameter,
and fly them to 30,000’ and 50,000’, respectively. These rockets are the first two of three
planned sub-scale rockets designed to allow the various engineering groups within ESFT
(Aerodynamics, Electrical, Propulsion, Software, and Structures) to develop the skills and
technologies necessary to accomplish a suborbital space launch. The purpose of this grant is to
allow the propulsion group to design, manufacture, and test the solid rocket motors to be used in
test flights of these rockets.
Project Description
Background and Thesis
The Eagle Space Flight Team was founded in response to other university teams working toward
the goal of launching a student designed and built sounding rocket to an altitude beyond the
internationally recognized boundary of space. Thus far, no undergraduate team has achieved this
goal, and only one amateur team has successfully reached that altitude. One of the primary
reasons so few have launched rockets to space is that rockets built for this flight profile must fly
on motors that are among the largest ever made by amateurs. This year, the team is amassing the
resources and experience necessary to design, manufacture, and fly such a motor.
Project Approach
This year, the team will design, manufacture, and test the first two of three planned subscale
motors leading up to the flight motor. These motors will be 75mm and 98mm in diameter,
respectively, and will allow the team to create and refine their motor making techniques and
propellant formulation before moving on to half-scale and full-scale motors in subsequent years.
Over the course of the year, the team will perform a full ballistic characterization of the
propellant, basing their work on the efforts of an IGNITE grant the Propulsion Group Lead
headed during the previous academic year. This process involves recording the combustion
chamber pressure and propellant burn rate of a rocket motor during a series of static tests and
using the data to calculate performance parameters specific to that propellant formulation. Those
parameters can then be used to predict how that propellant will perform in motors of different
scales and propellant configurations. Characterization of the propellant is a critical step for the
propulsion team, as the behavior of a propellant formulation must be understood as thoroughly as

36
possible before motors approaching the scale of those used for a suborbital space flight can be
safely and successfully produced.
After characterizing the propellant, the team will proceed with designing and testing the two
flight motors for the two rockets to be built by ESFT. Both motors will be produced twice, once
for static testing, and once for flight.
Expected Outcome and Significance
The work to be conducted by the team this year will lay the groundwork necessary for every
future step towards developing a rocket motor capable of propelling a rocket into suborbital
space. In support of ESFT’s first two test launches, the propulsion team will learn and perfect the
techniques needed to safely manufacture large solid rocket motors before developing and
characterizing the propellant formulation which will be used for every ESFT rocket through to
the space launch during the Spring semester of 2017.
Training, Approval, and Safety Measures
Training
The team lead as well as multiple other members of the team have manufactured rocket motors
before for previous projects. Additionally, the group lead will spend the first two weeks of the
grant period teaching team members how to safely work with solid rocket propellant and guiding
them through the mixing of their first, small motors.
Training and Approval Required
Safety will be the highest priority in all work performed by the team. Prior to beginning any
work with propellant, the team will research and implement any pertinent safety precautions.
Additionally, both Campus Safety and the team’s faculty mentor will be informed before any
propellant mixing or static testing operations and will be invited to oversee as they see fit. When
working with propellant chemicals, all team members will be required to wear personal safety
equipment, such as dust masks, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves. Additionally, during all phases
of propellant manufacture and motor testing, all necessary fire safety precautions will be
observed.
All propellant mixing and static motor testing conducted by the team will follow procedures
which have been looked over and approved by the team’s faculty mentor and/or representatives
of Campus Safety. Additionally, the team will notify both Campus Safety and their faculty
advisor to seek approval for any mixing or testing activities.

37
Researcher Background
Owing to the large number of members on the team, the proposal only contains a background on
the project lead, as was suggested by Dr. Boettcher during meetings between her and the team.
William Carpenter, Propulsion Team Lead, Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion, Class of 2017
William is a sophomore studying mechanical engineering on the propulsion track. Before
coming to Embry-Riddle, William was active in amateur rocketry, earning a level two high-
power certification from both the National Association of Rocketry and the Tripoli Rocketry
Association. He has flown rockets to speeds over Mach 1 and altitudes in excess of two and a
half miles. As a freshman at Embry-Riddle, he led an IGNITE research project investigating the
ballistic characterization of solid rocket propellant, purchasing much of the equipment and
implementing many of the procedures which will be used during propulsion development for
ESFT. After graduation, William aspires to work on large liquid rocket engines for companies
such as Aerojet-Rocketdyne.
Bryce Chanes, Project Manager , Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics, Class of 2017
A transfer student from Southern California, Bryce has started and lead many engineering and
rocketry related projects. He started rocketry when his Boy Scout Troop went to a weekend
outing. Six months later he was playing with the bigger kids, earning his Level 1 High Power
Rocketry certification. Since then he progressed to rocketry’s elite with the Level 3 certification,
the highest rank attainable. His project experience consists of a self-built and designed, 150
pound rocket, an amateur rocketry speed record (Mach 4.1), and three national altitude records.
Chanes gives back as a Board Member for the Rocketry Organization of California, mentoring
youth groups and promoting STEM education. He hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace
Engineering and work as a Project Manager for a suborbital sounding rocket project. He also
hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers

38
Timeline
The “phase” listed on the timeline corresponds to the six phases in ESFT’s 3-year plan. Phase 1
is a 75mm diameter rocket designed to fly to approximately 30,000’ and surpass Mach 1.5. Phase
2 is a 98mm diameter rocket designed to fly to 50,000’ and surpass Mach 2.
Phase Team Tasks Details Start Finish
Propellant training Train members on mixing propellant 10/26/2014 11/3/2014
Propellant mix practice All members mix and burn 38mm 2-grain motors 11/7/2014 11/14/2014
Mix 54mm 4-grain motor Mix and burn 54mm 4-grain motor as a group 11/16/2014 11/25/2014
Build Characterization Hardware
Prepare 54mm forward closure for characterization
Assemble test stand from components in propulsion lab
1/7/2015 1/23/2015
1st ESFT Phase 1 Test Launch
First launch experience for team members
Educate members on motor assembly and flight
Characterize Propellant
Characterize propellant using 54mm 4-grain motors
Design and simulate 75mm M motor
1/26/2015 1/30/2015
Mix test M motor Mix 75mm 6-grain M motor 2/2/2015 2/6/2015
Static fire M motor Measure 75mm M motor performance 2/9/2015 2/13/2015
Mix flight M motor Mix M motor for next flight 2/16/2015 2/20/2015
2nd ESFT Phase 1 Test Launch Launch rocket using student-made M motor
2/23/2015 2/28/2015
Design 98mm 6-grain motor Design 98mm N motor and run simulations 3/2/2015 3/6/2015
Mix 98mm 6-grain test motor 3/9/2015 3/13/2015
Static fire 98mm 6-grain motor Measure 98mm N motor performance 3/16/2015 3/20/2015
Mix 98mm 6-grain flight motor 3/23/2015 3/27/2015
ESFT Phase 2 Test Launch Launch rocket using student-made N motor
4/6/2015 4/10/2015
2
1/24/2015
2/21/2015
4/4/2015
2014-2015 Propulsion Timeline
1

39
Budget
Justification
The equipment and resources listed in the budget are all critical to the success of the ESFT
propulsion team, and by extension ESFT as a whole. The motor hardware, propellant
manufacturing supplies, and chemicals will be used to create, evaluate, and perfect the motor
technology to be used for all future ESFT test and flight motors.
Category Item Vendor Cost Ea. Number Subtotal
Hardware 76/6000 Complete Motor Loki Research 315.00$ 1 315.00$
Hardware 76mm Smoke Bulkhead Loki Research 75.00$ 1 75.00$
Hardware 76mm Snap Ring Pliers McMaster Carr 25.73$ 1 25.73$
Hardware 98mm 6-grain Complete Motor Tru-Core 525.00$ 1 525.00$
Hardware 98mm Smoke Bulkhead Tru-Core 69.75$ 1 69.75$
Hardware 98mm Snap Ring Pliers McMaster Carr 42.45$ 1 42.45$
Prop. Casting 76mm Non-Vented Aligning Cap Tru-Core 3.85$ 1 3.85$
Prop. Casting 76mm Vented Aligning Cap Tru-Core 4.35$ 1 4.35$
Prop. Casting 76mm Core Mandrel Tru-Core 22.60$ 2 45.20$
Prop. Casting 98mm Non-Vented Aligning Cap Tru-Core 4.75$ 1 4.75$
Prop. Casting 98mm Vented Aligning Cap Tru-Core 5.25$ 1 5.25$
Prop. Casting 98mm Core Mandrel Tru-Core 22.60$ 1 22.60$
Consumables Dash #230 Silicone O-Rings (10) McMaster Carr 6.49$ 2 12.98$
Consumables 76mm Liner & Casting Tube (46") Loki Research 89.70$ 3 269.10$
Consumables Dash #236 Silicone O-Rings (5) McMaster Carr 6.10$ 4 24.40$
Consumables 98mm Liner & Casting Tube (47") Loki Research 97.50$ 3 292.50$
Prop. Chemicals HTPB Resin (1 gal) RCS 69.99$ 2 139.98$
Prop. Chemicals E744 Curative (8 fl oz) RCS 13.75$ 4 55.00$
Prop. Chemicals Isodecyl Pelargonate Plasticizer (8 fl oz) RCS 13.75$ 8 110.00$
Prop. Chemicals 200 Micron Ammonium Perchlorate (20lb) RCS 129.99$ 3 389.97$
Prop. Chemicals 20 Micron Atomized Spherical Aluminum (1lb) Skylighter 17.23$ 8 137.84$
Prop. Chemicals Oxamide (1lb) Loki Research 39.00$ 5 195.00$
Motor Testing BurnSim User License Burnsim 39.00$ 1 39.00$
Motor Testing 500kg Load Cell Aerocon Systems 135.00$ 1 135.00$
20.00$
15.00$
20.00$
30.00$
27.50$
15.00$
15.00$
15.00$
258.62$
3,355.82$
Aerocon Shipping
Total
Loki Shipping
McMaster Shipping
Tru-Core Shipping
RCS Shipping
RCS HAZMAT
TC Logger Shipping
Skylighter Shipping
Combined Sales Tax

40
Appendix
Table 3 includes the current roster of the Eagle Space Flight Team. The names of team leads are in Bold text.
Table 3: 2014-2015 Final Eagle Space Flight Team
Project Manager Bryce Chanes Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 chanesb@my.erau.edu
Aerodynamics
Neil Nunan Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 nunann@my.erau.edu
Alexander Lubiarz Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 lubiarza@my.erau.edu
Carl Leake Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 leakec@my.erau.edu
Catherine Ayotte Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 ayottec1@my.erau.edu
Donald Crowder Aviation Business Administration Freshman 2019 cadetcrowder@gmail.com
Jesse Ives Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 ivesj@my.erau.edu
Jonathan Kozich Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Senior 2015 kozichj@my.erau.edu
Nicholas Liapis Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 npliapis@cox.net
Communications
Lauren Barthenheier Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics Freshman 2018 barthenl@my.erau.edu
Delbert Conn Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 connd1@my.erau.edu
James Hudspeth Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 hudspetj@my.erau.edu
Kurt Andrada Electrical Engineering-Space Senior 2015 andradak@my.erau.edu
Nicholas Mallott Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 mallottn@my.erau.edu
Joey Prosper Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 prosperj@my.erau.edu
Electrical
Thomas Fifer Electrical Engineering Junior 2016 fifert@my.erau.edu
Alaysia Marshall Electrical Engineering Freshman 2018 marsha11@my.erau.edu
Garrison Bybee Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 bybeeg@my.erau.edu
Branden Olson Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 olsonb6@my.erau.edu
Brandon Klefman Computer Engineering Sophomore 2017 branman141414@gmail.com

41
2014-2015 Final Eagle Space Flight Team (continued)
Propulsion
William Carpenter Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Sophomore 2017 carpenw3@my.erau.edu
Richard
Reksoatmodjo
Space Physics-Exotic Propulsion Sophomore 2017 reksoatr@my.erau.edu
Aaron Butler Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Junior 2016 butlera7@my.erau.edu
Julia Levitt Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 levittj1@my.erau.edu
Laura Pelletier Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Junior 2016 pelletil@my.erau.edu
Landon Jones Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Freshman 2018 jonesl31@my.erau.edu
Ben Wilson Mechanical Engineering-Propulsion Junior 2016 wilsob24@my.erau.edu
Raeann VanSickle Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 rvansickle13@gmail.com
Software
Shawn Thompson Computer Engineering Sophomore 2017 thomps16@my.erau.edu
Ryan Claus Software Engineering Sophomore 2017 ryan.w.claus@gmail.com
Seerat Sangha Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics Junior 2016 sanghas@my.erau.edu
Tyler Graveline Software Engineering Sophomore 2017 gravelit@my.erau.edu
Structures
Chad Reinart Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Sophomore 2017 reinarc1@my.erau.edu
Alexander Collins Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 collina5@my.erau.edu
Brandon Parrish Aerospace Engineering-Aeronautics Junior 2016 parrisb1@my.erau.edu
Claire Schindler Aeronautical Science Sophomore 2017 schindc2@my.erau.edu
Loren Bahr Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 bahrl@my.erau.edu
Nicole Shriver Aerospace Engineering Sophomore 2017 shrivern@my.erau.edu
Nina Rogerson Aerospace Engineering Freshman 2018 rogerson@my.erau.edu
Veronica McGowan Aerospace Engineering-Astronautics Junior 2016 mcgowanv@my.erau.edu
Faculty Advisor Julio Benavides Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering julio.benavides1@erau.edu

42
Acknowledgements
References
Propulsion Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.
Carpenter, W. S. (2013). Characterization of Solid Rocket Propellant. Prescott, AZ: Author.
Humble, R. W., Henry, G. N., & Larson, W. J. (1995). Space Propulsion Analysis and Design.
United States: McGraw-Hill.
McCreary, T. W. (2000). Experimental Composite Propellant. Murray, KY: Author.
Whitmore, A. C. (2013). Performance Evaluation of Experimental Rocket Propellants. Chapel
Hill, NC: Author
Work based on research conducted during the 2013-14 academic year through an IGNITE grant
awarded to a team headed by William Carpenter.
Mentors’ Letters
See the attached letter from Dr. Brenda Haven.

43

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