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UNH SEDS: EPOCH II

The University of New Hampshire Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UNH SEDS) designed, manufactured, and constructed a 10.5-foot hybrid rocket with the capability of attaining a 10,000-foot apogee. This rocket, EPOCH II, is the second in the EPOCH series of hybrid rockets that UNH SEDS has developed. This rocket had five subsystems that all worked together towards a final and fully integrated rocket, these being frame, avionics, payload, propulsion, and recovery. The rocket uses Nitrous Oxide as its liquid oxidizer and paraffin wax as the solid fuel; all of the engine and recovery testing is conducted on site at UNH. Originally designed to compete at the FAR-OUT rocketry competition in Mojave, California, the team has pivoted towards a launch in either Cherryfield, Maine or Upstate New York to better suit the needs of the team. This year's developments came in many shapes and sizes and can be broken down into the subsystems. The frame team worked on nosecone design, evaluating and calculating the effects of their differing designs, as well as worked with fiberglass weaving to create the nosecone and add strength to the fins. The avionics team developed a complete ground station and pad to house all components necessary for data collection and proper completion of hot-fire and launch. The payload team worked on designing and fabricating a deployable water ballast, using 3D printed materials and a pyro valve for deployment, they worked with the avionics team to develop its own electronics system. The propulsion team worked on continuing the progress towards our thrust goals, as well as working with new materials such as CHAMBERSAFE and different fuel pouring techniques for optimal weight, cost, and performance metrics. The recovery team worked on testing the recovery system, better folding of the main and drogue chutes as well as testing the dual-deploy tender descender. All together the group has contributed hundreds of hours of work to the project and hopes to see a successful launch in the Fall of 2025.

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