From the Australian Space Engineering and Research Association Ltd.
Newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 6, August 1992.

Ausroc3
-------

     During Mark Blair's Sydney visit last week it was agreed that the Sydney
group would be responsible for the payload and all systems above the fuel tanks.
So while we all anxiously await the launch of Ausroc2 (just waiting for Woomera
range clearance) and Caratel, plans for Ausroc 3 steam ahead.

     Ausroc 3 will be a most significant project in many ways:

 o it will be the first time in history that an amature sounding rocket has been
   fired

 o it will be the most significant Australian launch for decades

 o it is by far the most significant project that ASERA has undertaken

 o it will provide an opportunity for ASERA members to prove their mettle

     This is no backyard project. Ausroc3 is 8 1/2 metres of high explosive with
the potential to lift Australia's space program off the launch pad. It also has
potential to be a catastrophe and ASERA directors will be going to great lengths
to ensure there are no mishaps.

     "The Ausroc3 program is as significant to ASERA as a shuttle launch to
NASA." says president, Craig Lindley. "Every component needs to be tested, 
checked and rechecked. Every aspect of the project will be defined, refined,
monitored and controlled at every stage."

     "We have such a lot to gain from a successful mission, and such a lot to
lose if there are any misphaps. We cannot afford mishaps; we cannot afford to
fail."

     Many of the systems will be developed as student projects in a number of
universities around the country. Those that aren't already underway need to be
clearly defined so that they can be allocated by November.

     The next few general meetings will be devoted to defining student projects.
All members are encouraged to attend.

AUSROC III Specifications:

Length:		8.5 m
Diameter:	0.7 m
Mass Ratio:	0.85

Tangential 0give Nose Cone

Payload:	100 kg

Helium Tank:	30 MPa

Propellant:
Oxidiser:	Liquid Oxygen
Fuel:		Kerosene

Propellant Mass:	1200 kg
Mix Ratio:		2.4 (Lox/Kero)

Lox Tank:	800 lt

Kerosene Tank:	500 lt

Thrust:		40 kN
Burn Time:	80 s

Gimball Mount Nozzle