VERTICALLY INTEGRATED PROJECT (VIP) SUBTEAM
VIP
Vertically Integrated Projects seek to foster long-term, in-depth, project-based learning to engage students and better prepare them for future careers. Undergraduate team members are able to earn course credit for their work on the project. Team Hōkūlele is one branch of the University of Hawaii Aerospace Technologies VIP, which also includes a drone and satellite division. The Team Hōkūlele VIP subteam will work in tandem with the Senior Design members of this project.
Fall 2019
The VIP subteam began conducting model rocket launches at Windward Community College (WCC) using sub-scale 3D-printed rockets in order to test varying fin designs and gain a better understanding of the mechanics of rocketry. Using the flight data recorded by onboard altimeters, the VIP team members were able to determine which fin design enabled the rocket to reach the highest apogee. The selected fin design will be used on the full-scale competition rocket. Team members also began learning ComSol and Solidworks to prepare themselves for next semester.