First Parts Arrive for Invictus

ASA Space Exploration Center - Invictus Update #1

Vehicle Hull

- The body tubes for Invictus have been cut to size. The first stage tube is 8 inches long, the second stage tube is 6 inches long, and the third stage tube is 32 inches long. These tubes will be coupled by tube couplers from Apogee Components to ensure they do not snap apart during flight. (Image 1: Left to right, second stage tube, first stage tube, third stage tube)

Propulsion Upgrades

- As the vehicle stretched to accommodate more interstage space between the motors to prevent an overpressure at stage seperation, the vehicle increased in size enough that the weight of our fins could cause the second stage D12-0 motor to provide a negligible amount of altitude. For this reason, we are shifting our second stage to use an E12-0 motor instead. The first stage and second stage remain with their F15-0 and D12-0 motors respectively.

Launch Date Reassurance

- All these upgrades and milestones happening now keep us on track for liftoff between April 6 and April 8, 2024!