01 / AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Built for flight.

Tripoli Level 1 High-Power Rocket

MAR — JUN 2026

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FLIGHT HARDWARE / FULL ASSEMBLYASSEMBLED

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1.22 m

Overall design length

76.2 mm

Body diameter

716 m

Predicted apogee*

Tripoli certification

Approved · Awaiting certificate release

*Saved OpenRocket prediction for the HP-H135W-14 configuration; not measured flight telemetry. Dimensions are derived from the supplied design.

01 / THE PROJECT

One vehicle.
The complete process.

I designed, built, and launched a high-power rocket for Tripoli Level 1 certification. The project connected aerodynamic and structural design with CAD, 3D-printed components, assembly, pre-launch checks, and parachute recovery.

Design & simulation

I modeled the complete rocket in OpenRocket, from the ogive nose and three-fin layout to the motor mount and recovery system. The supplied HP-H135W-14 simulation predicts a 716 m apogee and 157 m/s maximum speed, reaching apogee in about 11.1 seconds.

CAD & fabrication

I designed the custom parts in SolidWorks and 3D printed the nose cone using PETG filament. The three fins and centering rings were cut from wood, while rocket-specific Kraft paper tubes formed the airframe. The rings locate the motor mount inside the body, bringing the individually fabricated parts into one assembly.

Integration & flight

I brought the airframe, fins, motor mount, and recovery hardware together around an AeroTech HP-H135W-14 motor. After assembly and pre-launch checks, I launched the rocket and received approval for my Tripoli Level 1 certification; the certificate is awaiting release.

FROM MY CAMERA ROLL

A few moments from the build & launch.

The parts, the people, and the bit I was most excited to see.

01 / LIFTOFFAnd here’s the moment it all came together.

Assembled black rocket with nose cone and fins beside a work chair — 02 / THE BUILDThe whole rocket, finally in one piece.

Rocket held upright beside the preparation table at the launch site — 03 / LAUNCH-DAY PREPOne more look over the rocket before heading out.

People positioning the rocket beside its launch rail in the desert — 04 / AT THE RAILGetting it onto the rail, with a little help.

Rocket mounted upright on launch pad 32 in the desert — 05 / READY TO GOAll set on the pad. Now for the countdown.

Martin holding the rocket and a paper at the launch site — 06 / ONE TO REMEMBERHad to get a photo with this one.

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