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Launch & Test Infrastructure, as a collective whole, supports the development of liquid, solid, and hybrid propulsion projects.
Remote operation is essential due to the explosive nature of rocket testing and regulatory requirements at airport testing locations.
- Cold Flow Tests - Pressurized inert fluid (usually nitrogen or water) flowed through the system without ignition to validate plumbing integrity and valve timing without risk of fire.
- Static Fire Tests - Full propulsion system testing with ignition (valves, plumbing, combustion) while rocket remains stationary.
- Launch Operations - Future capability for actual rocket launches
Cosmo-Wanda is an embedded software system that enables engineers to safely test rocket engines by remotely controlling valves and monitoring live sensor data.
It consists of two primary electronic subsystems connected via wireless communication:
COSMO (Ground Station) <---> WANDA (Downrange Electronics)
- 4,400+ feet apart via Ubiquiti point-to-point wireless
Cosmo is located at the ground station with the operators, providing the user interface and command transmission.
Wanda is located downrange at the test stand, providing electronic control of the test stand's mechanical systems (valves, igniters) and data acquisition from the test stand's sensors.
The Test Stand itself is the physical mechanical infrastructure (detailed in its own section) that Wanda controls and monitors.