HyCOMET (Hybrid COMposite Expertimental RockeT) is a student research initiative in the field of experimental rocketry. As part of HyCOMET, students will develop, test and launch a rocket made of lightweight und fiber composite materials, in addition to designing a hybrid-built rocket engine. Every component of the rocket, from rough sketch on paper to working prototype, is created by students of all faculties at the University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. The HyCOMET-1, powered by a hybrid rocket engine composed of nitrous oxide and a synthetic material, is expected to reach a ceiling of 5000 meters (16400 ft) and break the sound barrier during its flight. The project is financed by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) via its STERN (Studentische Experimental-Raketen) program. Students of many disciplines at the UAS Augsburg working in their free time, in addition to a multitude of projects, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses contribute to HyCOMET, although the practice of Task-Based-Learning remains a priority. Depending on our stage of development, we sometimes consult research and industry experts to conduct workshops and seminars at the Hochschule. The experimental rocket HyCOMET-1 is composed largely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP or CFK). This innovative lightweight building material makes it possible for the rocket to be extremely lightweight and highly durable, allowing for a high cruising altitudes with a maximum payload. The use of carbon fiber, however, necessitates much higher requirements in terms of planning and construction than for metall building materials. The use of CFRPs has found increased use even in conventional aerospace engineering. HyCOMET-1 is powered by the hybrid rocket engine HyER 1k FM, developed at the University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. The Rocket burns liquid nitrous oxide together with a synthetic polymer.
- Maximum altitude : 5000m (maximum altitude with the HyER 1k FM)
- Maximum velocity: Mach 1.2 (About 6s after launch)
- Maximum flight time: 500s (Climb + Landing with a parachute)
- Maximum thrust: 1000N
- Firing period: 10s
- Oxidant: N20 (nitrous oxide)
- Solid Fuel: Synthetic Material (e.g. polyethylene)