US Rockets
KSLS’s Start in Rocketry
The US Rockets
These three small kits have drastically helped KS Launch Systems learn about all things related to flight. Completing nine flights in total, the three rockets have been used as test beds and provided inspiration for KSLS’ in-house built rockets
US 1
Being the first of these rockets, success was not guaranteed. This was KSLS’ first rocket to launch. Throughout its three flights, we ran into issues with the recovery system. The first launch saw the shock chord disconnect from the nosecone. The second had a partial deployment, but the parachute got caught in the body tube. Unfortunately on its third flight, the ejection charge didn’t push anything out, causing it to go into a nose dive and crumple upon impact with the ground.
US 1.1
The US 1.1 is the second of these rockets, as well as the flight leader. Lifting off for the first time on June 23, 2021, it demonstrated the first successful parachute deployment of a KS Launch Systems rocket. Of its four flights, it successfully completed all elements of flight three of the four times. The rocket achieved a maximum altitude of of 335 meters on its third flight, and all the others to about 91 meters. After its final flight on February 16, 2022, it has been retired.
US 1.2C
The latest US Rocket flown is the US 1.2C. The “C” stands for camera. This rocket carried two cameras, one captured a view of the nose cone, and the other showed a down-looking view. On the first flight, everything went well. The rocket had a stable ascent and a nominal descent under the parachute. However, during the second flight, the rocket suffered an issue with parachute jettison, causing it to go into a nose dive and crash into the ground. The body tube broke following the impact. Fortunately, the footage was recovered from the onboard cameras.
