March 4th, 2026

Generated by AI. Be sure to check for accuracy.

Meeting notes:

• University of Washington SARP Team Presentation: Neha, Ellie, Karen, Tyler, and Grace from the UW Society for Advanced Rocket Propulsion (SARP) presented their club’s history, recent achievements, ongoing projects in solid and liquid propulsion, recovery system innovations, and capstone initiatives, with Bryce acting as mentor and facilitator for the discussion.

  • Club History and Achievements: Neha described SARP’s evolution from a graduate course in 2009 to the largest engineering club at UW, highlighting competition wins at IREC, the transition from hybrid to liquid propulsion, and the impact of COVID on knowledge transfer and project continuity.

  • Current Projects and Competition Goals: The team is preparing for the FAR-OUT liquid bipropellant competition targeting 6,600 feet with an autonomous recovery system, and the IREC solids competition aiming for 30,000 feet with a student-developed motor, air brakes, and live video broadcast.

  • Recovery System Innovations: Ellie explained the development of a skirt reefing parachute system to improve reliability at high altitudes, including the process of sewing custom parachutes, integrating electronics, and testing the reefing mechanism, with plans for upcoming test flights and competition.

  • Liquid Propulsion Development: Karen and Neha discussed the switch from welded to bolted engine designs, the use of phenolic and graphite ablatives, self-pressurized nitrous and nitrogen blowdown ethanol systems, and the challenges encountered during static fire tests, including nozzle failures and leak rate validation.

  • Capstone and Certification Activities: The team highlighted their involvement in payload development, gyroscope and air brakes projects, L1/L2 certifications supported by WACC, and capstone projects such as a throttleable bipropellant engine and a two-stage rocket, with mentorship from club members.

• Washington Aerospace Club Group Projects Update: Bryce provided an overview of five major group projects for 2026, including the eight-times upscale orbital transport, payload lifting booster, Nike Smoke half-scale, Red Rider Revival, and the WARP solid propulsion development, with project leads and progress details shared for each initiative.

  • Eight-Times Orbital Transport: Jim Pommert’s team held planning and construction sessions, wrapped fiberglass tubes, and prepared for further assembly, seeking additional members for all phases of the project.

  • Payload Lifting Booster: James Mooreshire’s group made progress on airframe lamination, payload design, and solicited ideas for reentry vehicle stages, inviting participation from electronics-oriented members.

  • Nike Smoke Half-Scale Project: Liam Pendergast’s team conducted their first build session, wrapped motor and airframe tubes, and prepared for future sessions, focusing on composite fabrication and integration.

  • Red Rider Revival: Jack Poehlman’s project advanced structural engineering for fin-mount brackets, evaluated composite fin options, and scheduled an in-person build session to finalize geometry and integration plans.

  • WARP Solid Propulsion Development: Bryce’s team produced six batches of solid propellant, conducted coring and grain cutting, planned static tests for over 70 grains, and coordinated data acquisition for scaling up to larger motors.

• Upcoming Launches and Contest Updates: Bryce and Pete reviewed the schedule of upcoming launches in the Pacific Northwest, including MisFITS, 60 Acres, and other regional events, and provided updates on NAR contest flights, national scoreboard standings, and advice for contest participants.

  • Launch Schedule Overview: The club is preparing for MisFITS in Pasco, 60 Acres in Redmond, and other launches, with details on dates, locations, and volunteer needs, emphasizing the importance of checking websites for weather-related changes.

  • Contest Flight Achievements: Pete reported on contest flights from February, including Jim Wilkerson’s move to third place in helicopter duration and Peter Schurke’s first place in parachute duration, encouraging early attendance for optimal conditions.

  • National Scoreboard Participation: Northwest Flyers are increasingly represented on the national scoreboard, with ongoing competitions in parachute, glider, streamer, and helicopter categories, and information provided for registration and starter kits.

• Membership and Board Meeting Updates: Bryce and Jim Shea (Membership Coordinator) discussed recent membership growth, workflow improvements, board meeting highlights, and ongoing efforts to enhance club communications, social media presence, and volunteer recruitment.

  • Membership Growth and Onboarding: The club reached 117 members for 2026, welcomed new and renewing members, and implemented workflow fixes to improve membership processing and communication.

  • Board Meeting Highlights: The board addressed Museum of Flight collaboration, launch logistics, volunteer capacity risks, and approved hardware purchases, with actions assigned to board members for follow-up.

  • Communications and Social Media: Dave Walp was recognized for managing social media updates, resulting in increased Facebook followers and improved website usability, with ongoing efforts to recruit volunteers for communications initiatives.

• Community Outreach and Educational Events: Bryce, Jack Poehlman, and Jim Pommert described recent outreach activities, including the Odle Middle School event, Museum of Flight’s 100 Years of Rockets celebration, and engagement with young rocketry enthusiasts and local teams.

  • Odle Middle School Event: Jack and Jim participated in a gathering of local student teams, university representatives, and industry professionals, sharing club projects and inspiring students through hands-on interaction and rocket signing.

  • Museum of Flight Collaboration: The club is supporting the Museum of Flight’s centennial celebration of rocketry, with panel discussions and opportunities for members to amplify event visibility and participate in educational activities.

• Show and Tell and Member Achievements: Bryce facilitated a show-and-tell session where members, including Mike and Liam, presented their custom rocket builds, discussed construction techniques, and shared plans for upcoming launches and certifications, with Tracy Furutani requesting L1 certification witnesses for students.

  • Custom Rocket Builds: Mike described the design and fabrication of 'Henry the 8th,' detailing material choices, construction methods, and flight plans, while Liam showcased a fiberglass Wildman mini Punisher and discussed tracking and painting inspirations.

  • Certification Support: Tracy Furutani requested NAR Level 2 witnesses for student L1 certification flights, with Bryce confirming availability and advising students to check in at the registration table.

• Vendor and Certification Logistics for Upcoming Launch: Joe inquired about motor vendors for the Pasco launch, with Bryce confirming Broomstick Rocketry’s expected attendance and offering additional support for motor acquisition, ensuring participants can complete certification flights.

  • Vendor Availability: Bryce relayed that Broomstick Rocketry is expected to be present at the launch, with preordering options available, and offered to bring extra H motors for those needing them.

  • Certification Flight Planning: Joe and other members discussed plans for L1 certification flights, with logistical support provided to ensure access to necessary motors and witnesses.

• Project Moonliner Recognition and Media Engagement: Bryce, Jack, and Matt Jukums highlighted the success of the Project Moonliner documentary, its positive reception in the rocketry community, and recent podcast appearances to share technical and community insights.

  • Documentary Reception: The Moonliner project video received widespread praise for its technical detail, production quality, and community impact, with significant engagement and subscriber growth on YouTube.

  • Podcast Appearances: Bryce, Jack, and Matt discussed the project on the Anti-Gravity Group podcast, sharing experiences and technical lessons learned, and encouraged members to listen for further insights.

Follow-up tasks:

• Aerospace Club Membership Support for Student Certifications: Coordinate with NAR Level 2 certified members to witness three L1 certification flights for Tracy Furutani's students at the upcoming Pasco launch. (Tracy Furutani, NAR Level 2 certified members)

• Vendor Availability for Certification Motors: Confirm with Broomstick Rocketry regarding their attendance and motor availability at the Pasco launch, and communicate this information to members seeking L1 certification flights. (Bryce)