Tropos 2 VideosValve actuation test. Valve may open too quickly (the static firing will be the real test):
Nosecone pivot test. The nosecone release was a little slower than desired, but the tensioning mechanism and release system worked. This test did not use the flight altimeter or a fresh battery. The next test will do both:
First static firing attempt. The motor did not ignite properly, though there was a small flame after the nitrous was depleted:
Successful pyrogenic igniter test. This igniter uses a potassium nitrate (KNO3)/sugar formulation widely used by hobbyists for solid propellant:
Ignition test. This test uses a short version of the motor (forward section only), two KNO3/sugar igniters, and a small amount of liquid nitrous oxide to test the ignition system:
Static firing. The valve took a long time to open, and there were some fluctuations in the thrust. Note how the test stand jumps when full thrust is reached:
Static firing with corn syrup/sugar fuel. A much smoother burn, though the nitrous didn't ignite right away:
The launch on 04/25/09. This video shows a closeup of ignition and the rocket leaving the rail (at various speeds):
The complete flight. Very slow acceleration off the rail: