Nitrous Filling Station

Rocketry is a fundamental basis in space exploration, human spaceflight, and satellite communication. The Spaceport America Cup, which is run by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association, allows college students to compete in designing reliable rockets. Such a competition is important in promoting interest for rocketry for future generations This project’s objective istoprovide a safe and reliable means to remotely fill a rocket with a cryogenic oxidizer (nitrous oxide). There are numerous possible complications that must be accounted for in such a design. A pressure release valve, for instance, is necessary in relieving the nitrous filling tank of any excess pressure. An excess amount of liquid nitrous oxide must also be accounted for by installing a dump valve. The nitrous tank must be certified per safety regulations to prevent tank rupturing. Regardingthe remote aspect of the ground filling station, it must be operable from one-mile distance. A remote station must be able to control all valves, which includes pressure relief and dumping. The final design of the remote-control box meets all sponsor requirements and can control all valves and has a range of one mile. It is also durable enough to last a substantial amount of filling/dumping procedures.