K1W1's in space again - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2023, 08:05:20 am
content: This time carrying a NASA payload.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2023, 10:00:34 am
content: Really interesting architecture, using electric turbopumps instead of engine-driven ones. The pumps are powered by a battery capable of a peak discharge of 1MW, and so their weight is non-negligible and for the second stage they are disposed of once fully discharged.They use lithium-ion which is probably a cost/availability consideration. A primary (non rechargeable cell) would likely exceed the energy density of the lithium ion pack, but would cost more and require more engineering effort. I guess if they intend to recover the packs eventually, then Li-Ion could be important.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2023, 10:15:31 am
content: Website and lots of pics over many pages:https://www.rocketlabusa.com/Would those batteries be Maxwell Tom ?Pic of them here ~1/2 way down the page:https://www.rocketlabusa.com/about/about-us/

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2023, 12:21:20 am
content: Short 25s vid of the takeoff:

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2023, 01:47:48 am
content: Another skyward with NASA and other cargo:

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 01:22:15 am
content: More K1W1's getting into space with a scale size replica of their future Spaceplane.Records were set in a previous flight... for the fastest climb to 20 kilometers (65,600 feet).https://www.dawnaerospace.com/latest-news/suborbital-sda-test-flightCan't say much more....NDA

author: brucehoult
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 02:52:13 am
content: Do you know them? Would be an interesting place to work.I saw their first video a couple of years ago, didn't even realise beforehand that it was in NZ ... as soon as it lifted off and started climbing over the lake / riverbed I said "That's Glentanner!" I've flown around that area in a glider -- fortunately haven't had to land at Glentanner but friends have. As long as you're above the ridge line it's an easy cruise down to the bluff above the foot of Lake Ohau , and once there an easy 25 km final glide home. the peak on the right. 2012 photo.https://hoult.org/ohau.jpg

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 02:57:19 am
content: Quote from: brucehoult on August 11, 2025, 02:52:13 amYes, long time customers and visited a couple months back while down in Chch for a few days.Got the grand tour but not before having to sign the NDA.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 08:57:31 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on May 08, 2023, 10:00:34 ammaking a special primary cell for rockets would be badass.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 10:24:01 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on May 08, 2023, 10:00:34 amVery unlikely as batteries are jettisoned at 200km altitude where they would burn up during reentry.https://youtu.be/_LAy4XiKNvQ?t=2789

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2025, 12:14:42 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on August 11, 2025, 10:24:01 pmUltimate thermal runaway, re-entry condition!

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 09:19:14 am
content: YouTube feed popped this up:

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2025, 07:25:14 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 11, 2025, 02:57:19 amMore random YouTube vids this one @1.36 showing one of the scopes we supplied Dawn Aerospace.