The program is bifurcated into two primary efforts: SPEAR-THOR, which specializes in hypersonic system development, and SPEAR-ARES, which supports CubeSat research and participation in NASA’s Student Launch Initiative.
The January launch confirmed that the vehicle performed well and that recovery operations were successful. The team focused on simple mission planning, prioritizing strong performance and efficiency.
Pre-launch activities were conducted under adverse weather and logistical constraints. The rocket followed a precisely calculated trajectory on ignition, reaching peak altitude and initiating atmospheric reentry under nominal parameters.
Hypersonic flights
Recovery was a critical phase. The vehicle’s telemetry stream was maintained through descent, but terrain navigation and component retrieval required physical ascent over 1,500 vertical feet in mountainous desert terrain.