L1 Certification Rocket

Objective: Designed, built, and launched a high-power rocket to successfully achieve NAR Level 1 certification. 

Requirements: Construct a safe, stable rocket using H-class motor propulsion, capable of withstanding flight loads and recovery impact. The rocket had to meet NAR guidelines for construction and recovery, achieve stable flight in simulation, and complete a successful launch and recovery with minimal damage. 

Top Skills: hands-on fabrication, CAD (OnShape), flight simulation (OpenRocket), solo project management

Overview

After the 2025 NASA Student Launch, I wanted experience owning the entire high-power rocketry process, not just a subsystem. This was my first hands-on project where I independently managed the full design, build, and launch, meeting all NAR Level 1 certification requirements. 

Design & Planning

• Selected the Wildman Rocketry 3” fiberglass kit for its durability and modularity.

  • Included: Nose cone, payload & booster airframes, coupler, centering rings, fins, motor mount, bulkhead, hardware, recovery harness, parachute

• Weighed all components to model realistic flight behavior in OpenRocket

  • Matched weight, position, and dimensions for accurate simulations

• Modeled the rocket in OnShape to plan internal layout and visualize assembly

  • Iteratively updated CAD with custom parts and modifications

  • Designed an avionics bay sled for GPS tracker (LightAPRS 2.0) mounted on threaded rod through nose cone (did not have the time to implement in real life)

Fabrication & Assembly

• Sanded all fiberglass components to prep surfaces for bonding

• Epoxied body sections and coupler using high-strength adhesives

• Created a Y-harness for the shock cord with embedded epoxy

• Used two types of epoxy for different joints:

  • Internal fillets (motor tube to airframe)

  • External fillets (fins to body)

• Designed and 3D-printed a fin alignment jig in OnShape to ensure straight fin mounting

• Performed dry-fit assembly to check alignment, stability, and component integration

Launch

• Launched on June 7, 2025 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area with NUSTARS

• Motor: Aerotech H128W

• Estimated apogee: ~1000 ft (no altimeter, visual confirmation only)

• Full recovery achieved with only minor cosmetic scratches

Takeaway

This project was my first hands-on experience with high-power rocketry materials and launch safety from start to finish. I learned the value of redundancy in recovery system design and how critical strong construction is for reliable flight. Completing the build and launch has given me the confidence to take on more complex rockets and pursue Level 2 certification.

I also need to plan out these projects better, as I only gave myself time to paint one white coat the night before launch. Arriving at the launch field with a blank, white rocket, I decided to get a Sharpie and name my rocket "Off The Dome".