Ask Derek Deville About High-Altitude Amateur Rocketry

A few days ago, we posted about Derek Deville's mind-blowing high-altitude rocket-launch in the Nevada desert. His 14-foot, GPS-equipped (four GPS units, actually) home-made rocket ("Qu8k") managed to hit 121,000 feet, an effort that took more than a trip to the store for more Estes "D" engines. Derek has graciously agreed to answer questions about Qu8k and other rocketry projects. Please confine your questions to one per post, but ask as many as you'd like.

ATF?

[dtmos]

How has the relationship with the ATF and other government agencies affected amateur rocketry since 9/11?

Public support?

[dtmos]

Back in the 1950s and 1960s in the US, model rocketry was promoted as a way to interest youth in science and technology and, therefore, strengthen and defend the nation. However, amateur and, to a lesser extent, model rocketry are today seen by much of the public as a dangerous technology that should be suppressed, to keep it out of the hands of dangerous terrorists. How can the rocketry community regain public support?

Oldest and newest flight technologies.

[deathcloset]

I ( and many others [jpaerospace.com]) have been thinking about balloon assisted launch systems [youtube.com] recently.

Balloons seem like an excellent and flexible launch element which could offer a ton of altitude and avoidance of at least some friction. Have you heard of or considered this?

Towards Orbital Rocketry

[Anonymous Coward]

Are there plans or even a roadmap you could lay out towards orbital rocketry by serious amateur groups?

Qu8k Construction Materials

[kgholloway]

I'm wondering what materials you used to construct your rocket? The sustainer appears to be made from Aluminum with welded on Aluminum fins. However the nosecone appears to be made of two or more materials. Also what did you use for the shade over the video camera that apparently melted during the boost phase?

Machinery

[vlm]

I looked at your website pictures; clean shop (cleaner than mine, anyway); Curious what type of equipment you used to build it... I see a bridgeport-style knee milling machine, a large unidentifiable lathe with a quick change toolpost. Chinese or classic American heavy iron? Nice smoke off the carbide (carbide, unlike HSS, can be pushed hard enough to make the cutting oil burn without wearing the cutting edge) Looks like all manual machines, no CNC? TIG welding the aluminum or ? Did you CAD it all up or build as you get parts? Is something like this rocket light enough to manhandle around the shop or are their engine cranes involved, or a custom cradle of sorts?