Minutes of ERPS General Meeting #271
06 November 2003
The President called the meeting to order at 8:25 PM. Members present were
Rick Eversole, Sean Lynch, Dave Masten, Pierce Nichols, Gerald Nordley &
wife, Julie Porter, Steve Traugott, Adrian Tymes, Michael Wallis, David
Weinshenker, and Chris Winter.
Reports and discussion on agenda items were as follows:
DOCUMENTATION
-------------
Chris Winter
Nothing to report
INFOTECH
--------
Sean Lynch
Nothing to report
LIAISONS
--------
Michael Wallis
Nothing to report
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
--------------
Michael Wallis
Minutes for the October COMSTAC meeting have been posted and will be
reviewed.
The Japanese have successfully flown their RLV prototype (a sub-scale
technology demonstrator) for the third time.
Armadillo Aerospace has announced the intent to purchase a large quantity
of ultra-pure 50% hydrogen peroxide.
There is a rumor (which can fairly be called persistent) that President
Bush will announce a dramatic new goal for NASA -- a return to the Moon --
and will commit to funding the effort. This announcement, if it happens,
will be made on 17 December, to commemmorate the Wright Brothers' first
flight of a heavier-than-air craft on that date in 1903.
TREASURER
---------
Rick Eversole
We still have as much money as last time, Rick not having disbursed any in
the recent past. Pierce reported that he has a stack of receipts to
present, a result of his efforts to get the Rocket Ranch in shape for
inspection.
CHIEF SCIENTIST
---------------
Kevin Bollinger
Nothing to report
FLIGHT CONTROLS
---------------
Dave Masten
Pierce's Matlab 6.5 modelling effort proceeds.
PROPELLANTS/SPARGER/FF
----------------------
Pierce Nichols
With the goal of improving sparging efficiency, Pierce is adding a
condensing baffle to his sparger.
Dave W continues to refine the design of his Teacart FF apparatus. He has
now reconfigured the liquid side, making it easier to purge air from that
loop.
REGULATORY
AFFAIRS
-------
Dave Weinshenker
Nothing to report
SAFETY
------
Dave Masten
Safety is AOK.
TESTING
-------
Dave Masten
The Rocket Ranch was inspected by agents of the state fire marshall.
Pierce reported that the inspection of ERPS facilities was not as arduous
as he expected. We were marked up for the fluorescent light in the sparging
shed (not explosion-proof) and for lack of a secondary containment for
spills within or without that building. We will also need to provide a
binder containing Material Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous material
on site, said binder to be stored in a safe location.
Dave W is evaluating options for a larger generator to power our
activities at the Ranch. When we install one, it will have to be on a
concrete pad set in an area clear of brush or other flammables. Obviously
it must be protected from the weather. Existing buildings we might use do
not allow sufficient air flow for a large generator. The installation must
be permitted, To facilitate this process, Dave W asked Pierce to provide a
compliance package.
Disposal of peroxide containers can be a regulation issue. Once freed of
their burden of hazardous HTP, said containers must be triple-rinsed and
subsequently certified empty by a certified certifier.
**** PROJECTS
Composites
----------
Kevin Bollinger
Nothing to report
Gizmocopter
-----------
Dave Masten
Sean has taken over management of Gizmocopter on an interim basis. The
leads have been soldered back on the motors. Nate has written new code for
the BASIC Stamp. Gyros will be integrated into the control system, and a
method of hooking up ground power will be devised.
Dave M's final control code and Pierce's simulator are ready to go.
KISS
----
Dan Solvin
Nothing to report
POGO
----
Dave Masten
Drawing release is the pacing item.
The San Jose Laser Center is on tap to fabricate a baseplate for POGO's
engine.
SMARTFLIGHT
-----------
Dave Weinshenker
There are no more launch opportunities at Fresno this year.
Livermore will have some launches, but with a severe size limit on motors.
As for the Petaluma Club, it may host some launch events in early 2004
_IF_ the necessary permits come through.
Spike
-----
Sean Lynch
Spike is on the back burner at present.
New Business
------------
Regarding ERPS' efforts to buy its own liability insurance, Pierce
reported that he has contacted XCOR's insurance agent. The agent, Duncan
McElroy, says he can write us a policy. However, a lot of research on his
part is needed, and it will be some weeks before he can give us a quote on
premiums.
With the economy improving, order volume increasing at CDI, and a marked
lack of elbow room in the current cramped facility, it seems an opportune
time to rent some more space if this can be achieved. The unit next door
has just become available, and Steve is looking into the best way to
proceed on it. Look for more on this complex matter in future.
Julie Porter presented two items for auction, proceeds to be donated to
ERPS. The items were an old issue of Crosslink magazine (containing some
rocketry articles) and a fairly clean copy of Willy Ley's _Rockets,
Missiles and Space Travel_ (Revised and Expanded -- with Sputnik info!) The
items sold for $1 and $19 respectively.
Meeting #271 adjourned at 9:40 PM. The next meeting will take place on 20
November 2003 at the Denny's on Bowers Avenue in Santa Clara. Watch the
list for full driving directions.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Winter
Secretary, ERPS
+++ PLEASE ADVISE THE SECRETARY OF ANY ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THESE
MINUTES +++
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