Suborbital Research Payload Design Graduate Project: FLARE
FLARE Project Introduction Video
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FaLling Aerogel Re-entry Experiment (FLARE)
Project Description:Ìý
FLARE is an Aerospace Engineering Sciences graduate project at the University of Colorado, ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL).Ìý The project goal is to research and design a novel cost effective solution for performing high-altitude atmospheric research (50-100 km) using lightweight reusable probes. In order to accomplish this, FLARE dropsondes will incorporate off-the-shelf, miniature global positioning system (GPS) transmitting/receiving equipment encapsulated within an extremely low-density polymer aerogel. These probes can be launched using a custom deployer at the apogee of any commercialÌý suborbital spacecraft with an initial focus on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The project goal for the 2022/23 academic year is to mature the technology readiness level (TRL) of a preliminary designÌý for dropsondes and external dispensers, and to develop and deliver a fully-operational system prototype that can beÌý integrated with the JHUAPL developed JANUS system for power and data control.
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Collaborator: Todd Smith & Larray Paxton from the John Hopkins University
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Advisor: Tomoko MatsuoÌý
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Research Assistant:Valerie SvaldiÌý
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PM: Aaron Pickens
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Team Roster: Aaron Pickens, Moe Suemura, Hunter Singh
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Project Files:Ìý
-System Concept Review:SCR
-Preliminary Design Review: PDR