Onkla Fails Second Launch On The VTF-2 Mission

Written By Josh G for Onkla

On July 11, 2022, Onkla launched the VTF-2 mission from MLP-15 at the Onkla Flight Facility. This article will talk about the expected mission trajectory, what was supposed to happen, and what actually happened. We will also talk about why it failed.

This mission was supposed to launch from MLP-15 supporting two launch rods. However this launch only supported a single rod due to unstable pad conditions. The vehicle was supposed to ignite at plus 16 seconds and launch to 32 feet in altitude. The vehicle would then turn around and descend down to the ground for its destructive touchdown. The reason that the touchdown would destroy the vehicle is because there is no parachute on the vehicle, that means that while it is accelerating to the ground, it is just speeding up to terminal velocity. However, since it only was supposed to fly to around 32 feet in altitude, it would hit the ground pretty quickly. The flight was expected to last a total of eleven seconds.

On July 11, 2022 at 8:45pm Eastern Daylight Time, Onkla was begining their sequence prior to liftoff of the VTF-1 launch vehicle. Everything was looking good pre launch as the vehicle engine looked good, as well as the vehicle and the pad. At 8:58pm Eastern Time, the single OR-1 engine ignited, and then a few seconds later we had liftoff! Just after engine ignition however, one side of the engine end cap shattered, however the other side stayed intact. That means that the thrust would be uncentered which would result in the vehicle flipping. Once the vehicle cleared the launch rod, it flipped over due to the engine not being centered. Then it hit the ground, and continued its burn until the propellant was expended.

This issue will be fixed by replacing the bentonite clay end cap, with a plastic cap. The clay cap could shatter because it won't be able to fully be exactly spread out. That would result in the thrust being uneven, and the vehicle will flip. However, if you use plastic with a controlled ablative nozzle, it will melt from the center out on all sides. That means that it will slowly lose thrust however continue its burn without being unstable. The upgrades are expected to fly for the first time on the SVLT L1-1 launch which stands for Small Vehicle Launch Test, Launch 1-1. This is basically just an engine with some extra aerodynamics and a nosecone.

Photos from this launch will be available in our discord server which you will get access to from our youtube channel. However, if you do want more pictures, you can become a website member, and you will get exclusive photos from every launch!

Will VTF-3 Be Successful?

• Yes
• Partly
• No