Overview

Triton is a custom-built, high-powered rocket with a 5-inch diameter and a length of 10.5 feet. It features a payload system designed to test the effects of supersonic airflow on various materials during flight. For the 2023-2024 Spaceport America Cup, LRA chose to build a single-stage rocket, equipping it with a more powerful motor.

The Triton rocket, our entry for the 2024 Spaceport America Cup 30k feet competition, marks a major achievement for the Longhorn Rocketry Association (LRA). Designed to approach 30,000 feet AGL, Triton is a single-stage rocket featuring an O3400 solid motor, fiberglass, and carbon fiber construction, and a dual-deploy recovery system. It also carried the HEATT (High Energy & Altitude Thermal Testing) payload, which was an infrared camera system used for scientific analysis

Key Progress and Achievements: This year’s launch demonstrated significant improvement in both execution and outcome. We achieved LRA’s highest altitude ever, reaching 26,198 feet, and successfully recovered the rocket with minimal damage. Our streamlined assembly process and efficient final inspection reflect our progress over previous years.

Learning and Improvement: Although we fell short of our 28,000 feet goal and placed 8th in the 30k COTS category, the launch highlighted our ability to enhance preparation and reduce last-minute issues. The experience underscored the value of consistent, year-round effort and early preparation.

Future Goals: We are committed to further improvement by incorporating multiple test flights, rigorous weight management, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Our goal is to refine the Triton platform and achieve even greater success in the future.

In summary, Triton’s success underscores LRA’s progress and eagerness to improve, setting a strong foundation for future advancements in rocketry.