Mini-P 1

Mini Pioneer is a 2-3in sub-scale step-down dual-stage designed to test the Interstage Coupler and Head-End Ignition (HEI) design for Pioneer 1. Flown on an AeroTech K750ST and a K185W, Mini-Pioneer 1 was expected to reach 15,000ft and Mach 1. 

This rocket was designed as a testbed rocket for all the new subsystems that would go on to make up Pioneer-1. Mini Pioneer uses the same step-down dual stage design as P-1, as well as the same interstate coupler design, and the same method of Head End Ignition. The only real difference between the two is the motor selection to accommodate the lower launch ceilings of local launch sites. Everything else is meant to be as identical as possible to validate our designs.