Category Archives: Uncategorized

Apogee Aeronautics, SuperLoki launch rail system

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On November 14, Osvaldo and I had the chance to meet Robert Kleinberger of Apogee Aeronautics. Robert runs a small engineering company specializing in sounding rockets. We had a chance to see one of the SuperLoki launcher systems that he had assembled and mounted on a trailer system in Orange County.

SuperLoki launcher from Apogee Aeronautics

view of the control panel, SuperLoki launch trailer

The SuperLoki is a sounding rocket design that was started in the late 1960’s and were used in the US and other western countries up until the supply was exhausted in the 1990’s.

In short, this two-stage rocket system consists of a first-stage solid propellant booster with an instrumented “dart” that coasts up to high altitudes, typically to make upper atmospheric weather measurements. The four-fin booster and four-fin dart are rail-guided to impart a controlled spin for stabilization.

Super Loki PWN-10A model

SuperLoki launch rails, side view on rails

Astronautix.com has specific details on the SuperLoki launch vehicle
Astronautix.com – SuperLoki

Wikipedia has a fuller article on the subject of the Loki series of rockets including the Super Loki.
Loki rocket – Wikipedia

Robert was assembling one of his SuperLoki rail launchers for a client, but ultimately, the launch trailer will reside at the Chico Air Museum in Chico north of Sacramento, California. The launcher will be there on display to the public. Although the SuperLoki launch trailer is not yet at the museum, I have put a weblink to the museum’s page.

Chico Air Museum

Although he may not make his presentation personally, Robert has put together a series of notes for our upcoming monthly RRS meeting. We’re looking forward to January 13th. Hope to see everyone there.

2017 new year’s greetings

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Hello and welcome to the new year, 2017!
Just a few quick announcements…

(1)
I am grateful to be serving as the new secretary for the RRS. In my first duty to the RRS, I will start reaching out to our current and past members individually to both introduce myself and update our member information for our database. We don’t share our list, but we do like to keep accurate records and make updates. It will take some time, but it will be good to meet all of you. Please feel free to contact me anytime at secretary@rrs.org

(2)
The RRS symposium has been officially announced for April 22nd at the Gardena Community Center. We’ll post more details after the upcoming January 13th meeting next Friday.

(3)
And finally, the keychain camera video was downloaded from the November 2016 flight and the edited footage should be posted to the RRS YouTube channel very soon. Our channel is “ReactionResearchSoc”

I have left a link below, please review what we have posted so far. New material is coming soon!

Reaction Research Society on YouTube

As always, our invitation to come see us in Gardena at next Friday’s meeting (01/13/2017) at 7:30pm stands to current, past and future members. Have a productive, safe and exciting new year!

Molten Metal Works – intro course

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I just completed the introduction to welding class at Molten Metal Works in Glendale this Sunday, Dec. 4th. It was a 6-hour class taught by Thea and Eric covering the basics. It was a good hands-on experience learning to use a MIG welder.

Their website explains in more detail the requirements of the class and the facilities available. They offer memberships to use their facilities both on an hourly basis and by monthly subscription. It’s a good place with lots of artists and craftsman using the space.

Molten Metal Works of Glendale, web-link is given here:
Molten Metal Works

MMW instructors, Eric and Thea

MMW instructors, Eric and Thea

For someone who has never welded before, it was good basic instruction. We learned the DASH basics and how to operate the welder. Our project was making a steel plate “pillow” to show we can make a strong seam welds and prove them at the end by driving a bolt to drive the plates apart. All of the teams did good welds.

Steel Plate Pillow, passed the bolt test

I enjoyed it a lot and hope to take the TIG basics class next. I thank Frank for recommending the place and I thank Thea and Eric for their patient instruction. Welding is fun!

learning to weld at MMW in Glendale

learning to weld at MMW in Glendale

After completing the course, I’m clear to use the facilities. I plan to come back. Thanks for a great time.