Static Testing

Static testing is an integral part of MARS operations, especially with MARS amateur hybrid rocket motors such as the B4 Hybrid rocket motor, which deliver between 2500 Newtons (250 kilograms) and 3000 Newtons (300 kilograms) of thrust, not to mention the larger MARS hybrid rocket motors.

The main static test stand is designed to accomodate either a single large rocket motor, or multiple smaller rocket motors such as the MARS B4 Hybrid rocket motor. A load cell is fitted between the combustion chamber and the static test stand to measure the motor thrust, and several sensors are fitted to measure tank pressure, chamber pressure, as well as various temperature sensors, and a spectrometer for exhaust plume analysis.

A number of cameras (stills and video) are also set up before the static test firing to record various details. High pressure, electrically controlled valves are used to actuate the Nitrous Oxide flow to the static test Oxidiser tank and pressure relief venting. All operations of course, are conducted remotely.

The photograph shows one of the flight test configuration MARS B4 Hybrid rocket motors undergoing static testing in test bay #1. The cylinder behind the exhaust plume is a Gaseous Oxygen cylinder used for the non-pyrotechnic ignition system. Hidden by the exhaust plume is a Nitrous Oxide cylinder used for filling the static test oxidiser cylinder.