This is our main workspace. This is the Cowboy Rocketworks rocket room, where all their manufacturing is done at Oklahoma State University. We currently share this space with them, as they have all the nessecary tools and equipment needed to start construction.

Our design phase started with considering our manufacturing capabilites and what could be constructed in our timeframe. We quickly determined a custom diameter rocket, optimized from research into the highest percentage of golf ball packing factor, could determine the best size rocket for the competition. The initial design work consisted of payload securement design and creating programs to parse large data sets and provide valuable information on our results. 

Following all of the design iteration, we determined the best shape and size within the competition requirements that we could manufacture. This concluded the majority of the design work, and the next challenge would be learning how we could make all the parts necessary and produce them on a tight schedule.

Our first job was to troubleshoot the XWinder, a machine that creates custom wound tubes, which OSU purchased in 2017. This machine had never been successfully used up until this point, so there was a steep learning curve we would have to scale to start fabricating the necessary components. 

Aside from custom-wound tubes, we would require custom flat composite pieces as well. We selected carbon fiber as our #1 construction material, as it would provide our team a competitive weight and strength advantage compared to common rocketry materials. This is normally very expensive to manufacture at this scale, but thanks to our sponsors, this material would be available to us. 

Each composite we make is processed with a waterjet to produce the flat parts required. The parts needed a final round of processing following this, but it was an excllent proof of concept for in-house rocketry part creation at the university. 

With finished composites, we utilized university lab equipment to test our results and gauge the benefits of our in-house composite against common rocketry material. This would help us determine the best methods for strong products leading into competition. 

Following the revival of our XWinder, we began creating all the necessary carbon and fiberglass tubes to construct our rocket. 

To prepare for competition, the team started launching multiple rockets to test our concepts and practice good procedure. Our initial launch was our Rango Prototype, 81lbs takeoff weight.

Our next launch was meant to demonstrate the airworthiness of the custom wound tubes. This rocket was the first 100% scratch-built carbon fiber rocket flown at Oklahoma State University, and was proof we could make all the parts desired for the competition.

For our next practice launch, we wanted to successfully launch a 2-stage rocket to simulate what we would be required to do in competition. This was very successful and a major stepping stone for our team.