Stardust 1.0

Context:

Stardust 1.0, a rocket-powered by bio-derived fuel took off from a former military base in Maine. It flew one mile into the sky before parachuting back to Earth.

What is Stardust 1.0?

• Stardust 1.0 is the first biofuel-powered launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads.
• The rocket is 20 feet tall and has a mass of roughly 250 kg.
• Payloads: The rocket can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg and during its first launch carried three payloads. The payloads included:
  • a CubeSat prototype
  • a metal alloy designed to lessen vibrations called nitinol
  • a CubeSat from software company Rocket Insights
• Manufactured by: The rocket is manufactured by blueshift, an aerospace company based in Maine that is developing rockets that are powered by bio-derived fuels.

Significance of the biofuel-powered rocket

• Cheaper and environment-friendly: These rockets will help to launch small satellites called CubeSats into space in a way that is relatively cheaper than using traditional rocket fuel and is less toxic for the environment.