Launching a rocket from high altitude

AI Thread Summary
Launching a rocket from a high-altitude weather balloon at around 70 km raises concerns about igniting the engine due to low oxygen levels. A suggested solution involves integrating the rocket fuel compound into the igniter, allowing sufficient energy from a spark or heat to ignite the solid fuel. Embedding a small high-resistance wire coil into the fuel compound or at the exhaust nozzle can facilitate ignition. This method ensures that the igniter is effectively positioned for optimal performance. Proper integration of these components is crucial for successful ignition at high altitudes.
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I have a project where I will be launching a rocket from a high altitude weather balloon. I am planning on launching the rocket at around 70Km or even higher. My main concern is the igniter not being able to ignite the engine because of the low amount of oxygen. Is there any way around this? Possible to make like a combustion chamber for the engine?
 
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If this is a solid fuel rocket then use the rocket fuel compound as a part of the igniter and there should not be a problem because the sufficient energy from a spark or heat from a wire coil is all that should be required.
 
JBA said:
If this is a solid fuel rocket then use the rocket fuel compound as a part of the igniter and there should not be a problem because the sufficient energy from a spark or heat from a wire coil is all that should be required.
How would I integrate this into the igniter?
 
For example, use a small high resistance wire coil embedded into a small molded slug of the fuel compound or the bottom of the solid fuel at the exhaust nozzle.
 
JBA said:
For example, use a small high resistance wire coil embedded into a small molded slug of the fuel compound or the bottom of the solid fuel at the exhaust nozzle.
So basically embed the igniter coil directly into the engine of solid based fuel closest to the exhaust nozzle?
 
Yes
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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