PROJECT ALPHA: SENDING A SMALL ROCKET INTO SPACE

As mentioned earlier, to get human beings back to the Moon we need to start small and first send a small rocket into space, even if just. It is universally accepted that space begins at about 100km above the ground. While this may not sound so far it is still a challenge that has only been achieved by spacefaring nations, large private firms and a handful of small private space groups that have come to together to create their own (sometimes called amateur) rockets to reach space to record the journey, break a record, make them famous or just for fun. To make it even more challenging we propose a budget of just NZ $100,000 for it.

At first, we thought it would be best to start with sending a probe to Low Earth Orbit (at about 200km above the ground) to continually orbit earth and achieve much more than a simple, small rocket that manages to just touch the heavens. After all, this is what Russia did back in 1957. However, we are still small and not established so we need to start off with something that will encourage many to take us seriously and, in turn, support us so we can become established.

One example of such a rocket we found and admired is the Civilian Space eXploration Team’s Go Fast rocket launched in 2004. More information on them is available here. Above is an exhilarating video of their Go Fast rocket with the footage it took as it left the paradise of earth for the oblivion of space.

Complying with New Zealand regulations for rocket launches

As of 21 December 2017, a license will be required for a high-altitude vehicle (more here) where “high-altitude” is defined as above 60,000 feet or 18km. We will certainly be applying for one as soon as we can after this time. When applying for such a license you need to provide:

            • The proprietor and contact details of your firm flying the vehicle;
            • Information on the vehicle itself in terms of its specs, plans, its proposed route, the proposed launch date; and
            • The backup plan in case anything goes wrong.

In addition, the proprietor and those operating the vehicle must not have a criminal history or have been denied an aviation license in New Zealand in the past.

From our understanding, the regulation accessible from the above link is to ensure that such high-altitude vehicles:
            • Do not interfere with satellites (or their signals);
            • Do not leave excessive “space junk” in the atmosphere;
            • Do not pose any threat to public safety;
            • Are in the country’s economic interest;
            • Do no harm the country’s international relations in any way; and
            • Have adequate insurance.
We will, of course, have all this verified by an appropriate legal party. However, if any of the above is incorrect or incomplete please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you.