One of the goals of AAEN and the Rocketry Research Journal is to give you the tools you need to conduct real research using model rocketry – and this includes software. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or if you have been doing this a while. All of our software is release under an open source license. This allows you to copy and modify the software to meet your specific needs.
Databases
Rocketry Research Assistant
The Rocketry Research Assistant (RRA) is a database that is being created to assist you with your rocketry research projects. In this first release of the RRA the database will assist you in tracking multiple research projects, the team members assigned to the projects, and the tasks associated with each project. Look for this to expand in future releases to include areas such as background research tracking, flight logs, construction processes, etc. But this project is more than just a database, however, as it is an educational project as well.
Every release of the RRA will have an accompanying Project Manual that explains what was done and why. This will allow you to learn some basics of database development while creating a program that will be useful in your rocketry endeavors. As is typical of our other Project Manuals, this takes you step by step through the design, creation and development of the database. It includes numerous screen shots showing exactly how certain procedures are performed. It also includes a section on how the database can be improved in future releases.
Unlike Flight Logs, the Rocketry Research Assistant is being created in LibreOffice Base. This is a free and open source office suite. LibreOffice is available for a number of platforms including Windows (from Version 7 forward), Mac and Linux. You can even run it on a Raspberry Pi. This should help avoid the issues that have developed with the Flight Logs database.
More information on the Rocketry Research Assistant
Flight Logs
Flight Logs home page
The Austin Aerospace Education Network (AAEN) has been developing the open source Flight Logs Database Program. The software can track your rockets from initial construction, then track all flights and record any maintenance needed or performed. It can calculate altitude, record any 3D prints used on the model, store the plans and even report CATOs to the MESS (Malfunctioning Engine Statistical Survey) site. If you are a NAR member and looking at completing your NARTREK submissions for the Bronze, Silver or Gold levels, it can help with that as well. There’s even more the software can do for you.
More information on the Flight Logs database
Spreadsheets
Model Rocket Calculator
The Calculator is a collection of LibreOffice Calc spreadsheets designed to help you understand how you can use spreadsheets in your research. The spreadsheets include:
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- Single Station Altitude Reduction
- 2-station Inline Altitude Reduction
- Parachute Size Calculator
- Parachute Descent Rate Calculator
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More information on the Model Rocket Calculator spreadsheet.
Rocketry Research Journal 