Skylark is a hybrid rocket equipped with a B4 engine, continuing the PROtotype project. It was created with the goal of competing in the international Spaceport America Cup 2020. Additionally, various elements of the rocket were improved and optimized for better performance.
The primary goal of the project was participation in the Spaceport America Cup 2020. The rocket competed in the 10,000-foot altitude flight category. Its mission was to carry a payload of up to 4 kilograms to a specified altitude and ensure the safe recovery of the rocket. The telemetry system provided a continuous stream of data to the ground station – including current location, sensor readings embedded in the structure, and other telemetry data collected in real time.
Rocket length 4.80 m
Rocket diameter 16 cm
Rocket weight 44.3 kg
Propellant weight 12.7 kg
Rocket launch weight 57 kg
Number of stages 1
Propulsion type hybrid
Fuel polyamide
Oxidizer nitrous oxide
Thrust 4150 N
Total impulse 18,200 Ns
Max. acceleration 6.3 G
Max. speed 250 m/s
Predicted apogee 3.54 km
Work on Skylark began in September 2019. The design largely built on solutions used in the PROtotype rocket, but most of the reused components were optimized and improved. Experience gained from previous competitions helped reduce the likelihood of errors and failures.
After an initial period of design and theoretical preparations, the team began working on producing new components. The first subsystem tests were conducted, including the improved onboard electronics and the oxidizer delivery system to the engine. The propulsion system used in the PROtotype rocket was also refined, with a new injector designed to enable more efficient fuel combustion.
At the same time, research was conducted on innovative wax-based fuels, supplemented with selected polymers, which served as the propellant for the next iteration of the engine. Mechanical elements were created, such as composite bodies, stabilizers, and a metal cage connecting the lower body of the structure with the pressure tank. The integration of all subsystems and final rocket tests followed.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spaceport America Cup 2020 competition was not held in person. The rocket competed in the European Rocketry Challenge 2021 and Virtual Spaceport America Cup 2021, where it took 1st place in the 10k SRAD Hybrid/Liquid category.
As part of the experiment carried out on the Skylark rocket, studies were conducted on the impact of rocket flight conditions on shrimp, as well as the effectiveness of sedatives to minimize the impact of stressful conditions on these organisms.
