Mini Red

Mini-Red is ITR's first sub-scale dual-stage rocket, acting as the test bed for a full scale one rocket, BIG RED. Aiming to cut cost and reuse everything we have in the lab, Mini-Red is made from two Patriot rocket used for Level 1 attempt and fiberglass tube from old rockets.

Mini-Red launched on October 21, 2023 from Princeton, IL on AeroTech H550ST and Aerotech I161W. The rocket left the rail at 72 ft/s, and one second after booster burnout, the booster fired ejection charge to separate the booster from the sustainer. One second later, the sustainer was supposed to ignite — but because of strong winds, the rocket tilted ~15° off the pad. This triggered the tilt lockout, so the sustainer motor never lit. Despite that, all recovery systems worked perfectly. Both stages were safely recovered without damage. Mini Red reached an apogee of 1,200 ft