Rocket Launcher

Late 2000, early 2001 PPR engineering & design was commissioned by Starchaser Industries Ltd to design a mobile rocket launch tower. This was to launch the Nova/Starchaser rocket, the worlds first privately built re-useable rocket capable of carrying a person into space. Edgar Fabrication manufactured the launcher and trailer structures to the PPR design.

• The chassis of the launcher used to be an old articulated twin axle container trailer which had the securing lugs removed to which the launching tower was attached.
• The 2 spines of the tower were 300 x 200 section which when erect was 57' tall the rocket was launched up stainless steel guides.
• The launcher was erected by 2 hydraulic rams which were once employed on a skip truck which were in turn powered by there own independently powered pump.
• The use of the rams enabled the launcher to be folded down from its full extension whilst the rocket was still attached. At the same time, the design had to be compact enough to allow the whole outfit to fit under motorway bridges.
• The whole rig had four stabilising legs which swung out from the side of the chassis, these had jacks on the end of each which could be wound down by hand so it could be used even on uneven ground.

Rocket Launcher

It's launch on 22nd November 2001 at Morecambe Bay was a success. It has since been made redundant as the rocket was superseded by later designs. Since then it has travelled the UK visiting schools, and now resides at Starchasers museum of space history in New Mexico U.S.A.

The pictures show the completed rocket and launcher, with various stages of build for the launcher and launcher trailer.

Rocket Launcher Trailer

Rocket Launcher Component

Rocket Launcher Stand