New Years Updates

Hello everyone! Over the past year, Magnetar Space went from an idea to a company with physical hardware, and we have every intention to hotfire for the first time in 3 months. Here's a look back at some of our major accomplishments so far:

June 22nd, 2022 - Completed Design work for TARS-1

Magnetar Space decides TARS-1 should be an ablative rocket engine capable of producing 1000lbs of thrust, operating at a chamber pressure of 500 psig with an expected run time of 2 seconds. The propellants for the engine will be liquid oxygen and kerosene.

 

July 26th, 2022 - Completed Design work for Rocket Kart 1.0

Rocket Kart 1.0 is a test stand designed to withstand the force TARS-1 will produce with comfortable margin while also delivering the propellants at the desired pressures and flow rates. The entire test stand can be operated remotely and taken apart for easy transport.

 

August 13th, 2022 - Completed Engine Prototype (TARS-1)

This prototype allowed us to test our ablative and carbon fiber layup process, resin mixture ratio and engine assembly process. This engine revealed several design characteristics that will be improved with TARS-1.1.

 

September 3rd, 2022 - Fully Funded!

Through the generosity of Experiment.com, the 1517 fund and many other donors, Magnetar Space receives enough money to proceed with building hardware.

 

September 10th, 2022 - Test Site Finalized

A remote location 100+ miles west of Austin, TX is selected as a test site for Magnetar Space's first hotfire.

 

Septemeber 14th, 2022 - Rocket Kart Upgraded to Tank Stand

Following changes to TARS-1 and a finalized test location, Rocket Kart 1.0 is upgraded to Tank Stand. This stand requires no external structures to bear load from the engine and is cheaper than the previous design.

 

December 29th, 2022 - TARS-1.1 begins manufacturing

Using techniques learned from TARS-1 and new manufacturing capability, TARS-1.1 is finalized and under construction featuring a copper injector, thicker ablative material and a smaller chamber.

 

January 2nd, 2023 - Control Box and Software Manufacturing and Testing Begins

All instrumentation and controls systems will be contained in two control boxes, one mounted to the test stand and one at a control booth. Both have begun testing with a custom software.

 

January 6th, 2023 - Tank Stand Steel Frame is Completed

Tank Stand's steel frame completed. This frame will bear the full load of TARS-1.1 and the IBC tote that sits within it. Fluids and controls systems will also be mounted to this structure.

 

And that's it!

Magnetar Space would like to thank its donors for all the support throughout the past few months. It is with your generosity that we march confidently to our test date this year.

Best,

Magnetar Space