Suborbital sounding rocket Skydancer is an efficient, low cost launch vehicle used for preliminary testing of satellite and space technologies and components.It is used to test that technology is functionally capable of surviving launch. Skydancer’s re-usability results in short lead times.
Skydancer’s size and versatility facilitates launches from temporary sites and remote locations including ocean launches from ships or floating launch platforms. Skydancer enables research to be conducted in the space where weather balloons and satellites are unsuitable.
Skydancer acts as a test bed for satellite technology and components, electronic components and data gathering technologies as well as other new technological developments for clients from industry to education through to Defence. University research also benefits from access to an Australian launch vehicle.
“Another benefit of space to the economy is the way it inspires people to go into the technology sector. People like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates immediately come to mind, but it is more important to realise that a large number of technical professionals, in all fields, first got hooked on space and were then inspired to pursue technical careers. This is truly one of the best “spinoffs” we have, and the space exploration enterprise should receive due credit for it. At a time when we are concerned about declining enrolments in engineering, science, and mathematics, this should be no small factor in our thinking.”
Michael D. Griffin (Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration) 17 September 2007
High school excursion events.
High school inclusion in launch events.
Encourages young Australians into STEM pathways and careers at numerous stages of learning, such as secondary and tertiary.
Students have the ability to gain real world experience in the Australian space industry.
Stronger work force for Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing, Space and Defence industries Knowledge application, experimentation and adaption.
Education
New technology
developers
High schools
University
Start-ups
Defence
Skydancer is an efficient, low cost launch vehicle used for preliminary testing of satellite and space technologies and components.It is used to test that technology is functionally capable of surviving launch.
Skydancer’s re-usability results in short lead times.
Skydancer’s size and versatility facilitates launches from temporary sites and remote locations including ocean launches from ships or floating launch platforms.
Skydancer enables research to be conducted in the space where weather balloons and satellites are unsuitable.
“Another benefit of space to the economy is the way it inspires people to go into the technology sector. People like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates immediately come to mind, but it is more important to realise that a large number of technical professionals, in all fields, first got hooked on space and were then inspired to pursue technical careers. This is truly one of the best “spinoffs” we have, and the space exploration enterprise should receive due credit for it. At a time when we are concerned about declining enrolments in engineering, science, and mathematics, this should be no small factor in our thinking.”
Michael D. Griffin (Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration) 17 September 2007
High school excursion events.
High school inclusion in launch events.
Encourages young Australians into STEM pathways and careers at numerous stages of learning, such as secondary and tertiary.
Students have the ability to gain real world experience in the Australian space industry.
Stronger work force for Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing, Space and Defence industries.
Knowledge application, experimentation and adaption.
Education
New technology
developers
High schools
University
Start-ups
Defence
Skydancer acts as a test bed for satellite technology and components, electronic components and data gathering technologies as well as other new technological developments for clients from industry to education through to Defence. University research also benefits from access to an Australian launch vehicle.
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Maximum payload mass110kg
Total launch weight 330kg
Launch thrust 18kN (1.8ton)
Maximum velocity 2 X speed of sound
Expected altitude 40km with 110kg payload
Burn time 18 seconds
Dimensions: 250mm ODx 6000mm.
Uses 110kg of nitrous oxide in 18 seconds
Uses 30kg HDPE High Density Polyethylene
Motor primarily made from Aircraft grade aluminium.
Payload section primarily made from composite materials.
2 stage parachute recovery
Fully reusable: all parts of the launch vehicle airframe can be recovered and reused, which shortens the lead time and lowers cost.
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
It’s lightweight yet super-strong. Many car makers use HDPE fuel tanks to increase fuel efficiency. It’s impact resistant.It’s long lasting and weather resistant
Sustainability: In addition to all the above benefits, HDPE is easily recyclable.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas. At room temperature it is a colourless non-flammable gas.
Skydancer has an engine composed of a solid propellant, HDPE, lining a combustion chamber into which a liquid or gaseous propellant, Nitrous Oxide, is injected.
Hybrid Rocket Motors are superior to Solid Motors in safety, throttling, and environmental cleanliness.
The three alliance partners have come together to solve the big problem facing industry, a lack of skilled tradespeople. We want to provide an opportunity for students to learn valuable industry skills while being engaged with exciting course content. It’s important to remove the barriers to students success with an inclusive and integrated program.
“Our method was to develop integrated products, and that meant our process had to be integrated and collaborative”
– Steve Jobs
The Australian Science and Aerospace Network (ASAN) Is A Not-for-profit Organisation. Established in 2019, as a network organisation to facilitate communication and connections between educational organisations, businesses, and Government bodies. Our objective is to improve access and the sharing of knowledge across these networks, to provide the greatest benefits to everyone with a shared interest in science, aerospace and STEM based education and careers.
PFi provides innovative solutions to Australia’s industrial sector, designing manufacturing and Installing state-of-the-art industrial solutions. The focus of their service is to offer complete solutions from high-end computer controlled robotic automation, bespoke CNC manufactured parts through to straightforward and well-designed structures and products. Quality is the benchmark of Advanced Manufacturing and is a key part of PFi’s management system.
Northrop Grumman is committed to expanding and enhancing the pipeline of diverse and talented science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students globally. Northrop Grumman invests in the next generation of technical talent and leadership via various STEM initiatives with Australian schools and industry. Northrop Grumman works to leverage mentoring opportunities, internships and programs that connect our employees to students and teachers to help achieve these goals.