Hermes

Overview

Hermes is the first proper high-power rocket that I built after earning my Level 1 high-power certification. It is built to fly on 29 mm mid to high-power motors and can be used for a number of purposes. Most importantly, Hermes was used for many early test flights of the Project 767 instrument payload in April and September of 2023. Hermes continues to serve as an excellent testbed for high-power rocket components, allowing me to test vital components such as improved shock cord mounts and recovery techniques.

Height

1193 mm / 46.1 in

Diameter

78.5 mm / 3.09 in

Mass

0.94 kg / 33 oz

Motor Mount

29 mm / 1.14 in

Flight Profile

Subsonic

Speed Record

181 m/s / 407 mph / Mach 0.53 (4/29/23, unconfirmed)

Payload

Internal Height

220 mm / 8.66 in

Internal Diameter

76 mm / 2.99 in

Capability

  • Hermes’ payload bay can house a variety of sensors to measure information about its flight and behavior

  • Hermes’ payload can also house a mass simulator for stress testing of high-power rocket components

  • The payload section also has a mount for a single down-facing camera and has air pressure vent holes for higher altitudes

Booster

Height

631 mm / 24.84 in

Diameter

78.5 mm / 3.09 in

Motor Mount

29 mm / 1.14 in

Capability

  • Hermes’ booster section powers flights with 29 mm high and mid-power engines

  • The engine mount is equipped with one downward-facing camera mount

  • The booster also houses recovery devices like the parachute, shock cord, and Chute Release