The Cetus Flight Vehicle
Overview
Cetus is the name of Oregon's first liquid bi-propellant rocket. Named after the Great Whale constellation in the sky, Cetus is the culmination of years of development, research, and design by the HALE team.
Technical Specifications
- Height: 21.5 ft (6.55m)
- Diameter: 8.235 in (210 mm)
- Dry Mass: 300 lb (136 kg)
- Wet Mass: 375 lb (170 kg)
- Propellant: Liquid Oxygen / Kerosene
Systems & Subsystems
Propulsion System
Powered by our Mira 2 engine, Cetus utilizes a pressure-fed liquid propulsion system running on Liquid Oxygen and Jet-A kerosene. The HALE team successfully conducted two 5 second burn duration tests of the Mira 2 engine this past year, validating its design. Mira 2 will burn for 10 seconds during flight and propel Cetus 30,000 ft.
Avionics
Our custom avionics package provides real-time telemetry, flight and recovery control, and data logging. Cetus will fly with over 10 custom made PCBs developed by the avionics team, responsible for full control of the rocket during flight.
Structures & Recovery
The structure of Cetus includes an airframe, fins, and nose cone, designed for optimal stability and durability. The recovery system controlls deployment of our drogue and main parachutes, ensuring a controlled descent and safe landing after reaching the target altitude.
Development Timeline
HALE's first two engines Mira 1 and Mira 2 have been in development for over 7 years, with manufacturing of Cetus begining in 2023. Over the past year, the HALE team manufactured the Cetus flight vehicle and is now preparing for an integrated test of the rocket in the coming months. Cetus is scheduled to fly this Spring, making history as Oregon's first liquid rocket.