Meggs Jr. represents the pioneering spirit of Sunburnt Space Co, as we embark on a mission to make history by launching one of the first Australian-built rockets into space. 

Our goal is clear: reach the Kármán Line, safely recover the rocket, and demonstrate our expertise in rocketry through a cost-effective and efficient mission. Designed with simplicity and reliability in mind, Meggs Jr. is set to push the boundaries of space exploration from the heart of Australia. 

This mission is just the beginning of our journey to the stars, laying the foundation for future advancements in space travel and exploration.

Mission Goals

• Reach the Kármán Line: Our primary objective is to propel Meggs Jr. beyond the Kármán Line, the boundary of space at 100 kilometers above sea level. Achieving this milestone will place Meggs Jr. among the first Australian-built rockets to reach space, marking a significant step forward in Australia’s space exploration journey.
• Ensure Safe Recovery: Demonstrating the reliability and safety of our technology is crucial. We are committed to safely recovering Meggs Jr. after its mission, showcasing our ability to not only reach space but also return our rocket intact, ready for future missions.
• Demonstration Flight: This mission is a critical demonstration of our skills, technology, and capabilities. A successful flight will validate our approach and set the stage for more ambitious projects, including the development of an orbital vehicle.
• Execute Cost-Effectively: Simplicity and cost-effectiveness are at the core of our philosophy. Meggs Jr. is designed to accomplish its mission quickly and efficiently, proving that space exploration can be accessible and affordable without compromising on safety or performance.

Preliminary Design

Meggs Jr. is a straightforward, yet sophisticated, rocket designed with a focus on efficiency and reliability.

Propulsion System

• Liquid Engine: Meggs Jr. is powered by a liquid engine that uses ethanol as fuel and nitrous oxide (N2O) as the oxidizer. This combination offers a balance of performance and simplicity, ideal for our mission objectives.
• Impinged Injection: The engine utilizes an impinged injection system, where fuel and oxidizer streams collide at specific angles to achieve thorough mixing and efficient combustion. This method ensures consistent performance and maximizes thrust.
• Materials: The rocket’s tanks will be constructed from lightweight, durable aluminium, while the engine casing and injector plates will be made from stainless steel to withstand extreme temperature gradients during flight. The nozzle, a critical component for directing exhaust gases and generating thrust, will be machined from a solid block of graphite, chosen for its excellent thermal resistance.

Pressure-Fed System

Meggs Jr. will use a pressure-fed propulsion system, where compressed nitrogen gas forces the fuel and oxidizer from their tanks into the combustion chamber. This design simplifies the plumbing, reduces potential failure points, and ensures a steady flow of propellants under high pressure.

Launch Site

Our chosen launch site is the Endeavour Aerospace Launch Site at White Cliffs, a prime location for our mission. We are actively collaborating with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to secure the necessary Launch Site License. If this does not work out, we will go for launch at one of Australia’s established launch sites at either Equitorial Launch or Sourhtern Launch facilities.

We are hoping this will encourage further attempts at space shots here in Australia.

Infrastructure Development

To support the mission, we will need to build additional infrastructure at the site. This includes facilities for fueling, rocket assembly, and telemetry, ensuring a safe and successful launch.

Safety Measures & Risk Mitigation

Ensuring the safety of our team, the public, and the success of the Meggs Jr. mission is our top priority. We’ve implemented rigorous safety protocols and conducted extensive risk assessments to mitigate any potential challenges during the launch and recovery phases.

• Flight Safety Plan: We are developing a comprehensive flight safety plan in compliance with the Australian Space Agency’s Flight Safety Code. This plan covers all aspects of the mission, including launch procedures, flight trajectory, and recovery operations, to ensure we meet the highest safety standards.
• Recovery Systems: Meggs Jr. will be equipped with advanced recovery systems to ensure a safe return to Earth. The deployment of both the drogue and main parachutes has been carefully designed to slow the descent and guide the rocket back to a predetermined landing zone. These systems have been extensively tested to ensure reliable operation.
• Risk Assessments: Every component of the rocket, from propulsion to structural integrity, has undergone detailed analysis to identify and mitigate risks. We have also modeled potential flight anomalies and emergency scenarios, with contingency plans in place to handle unexpected events.
• Pre-Flight Testing: Before the actual launch, we plan to conduct a series of ground tests and small-scale flight tests to validate the performance of key systems. These tests will allow us to refine the design, detect any issues early, and ensure the rocket is mission-ready.
• Regulatory Compliance: We are working closely with the Australian Space Agency and other regulatory bodies to ensure all legal and safety requirements are met. This includes securing a Launch Site License and obtaining flight clearances, as well as adhering to environmental and safety guidelines for rocket launches.
• Emergency Procedures: A clear set of emergency procedures is in place for the launch day, covering scenarios such as flight termination, off-nominal recovery, and site evacuation. Our team will be on high alert and ready to act swiftly in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

By integrating these safety measures and risk mitigation strategies, we aim to conduct a successful mission that not only achieves our goals but also sets a new benchmark for safety and reliability in the Australian space industry.