We took a break on rib work to catch up on some other projects.
We nearly completed refurbishing rocket launch box. The last touches included mounting stops on the base of the internal rail, this prevents the rocket from sliding out of the bottom, an important feature, sealing the box, attaching the external support rings and making and gluing on forty foam gussets.
We sold two of our balloon launch bags. This means it’s time to breakout the sewing machines and make some more! The team cut out the twenty-eight foot fabric panels, ten in all. Next all the panels will be hemmed, then the 240 pocket, all with Velcro closures get made and added then the attachment loops and tear panels….. If we are sewing our way to space, are we there yet?
We need to find a adhesive that will bond the silicone/Nylon fabric we use. We bought a set of candidates glues and have begun trials. I wasn’t expecting a success in the first batch. However number five in the first ten passed load under flex test. We’ll be using the adhesive to reinforce a rib seam. Before applying it to a full rib we’ll test it out on a six foot straight air beam. That will also give us a chance to test another upgrade to the rib end caps.
