Welcome to the first project log for the Chroma Flight Test Program, a multi-year effort to build and fly three rockets — Chroma, Spectra, and Gamma — and develop two propulsion systems — the Additive Propellant Hybrid Engine-Experimental (APHEx) and the Amateur Liquid Engine-Experimental (ALEx). The first block of posts — which I’m calling Series 0 — will go over the roadmap for the program, starting with chroma.

Even though this project will stretch across multiple years, building three rockets (well, two and a half — you’ll see) is no easy task. Add in the fact that I’m using construction techniques that are brand new to me, building a custom flight computer, and developing my own methods to build complex composites and I’m in over my head. That’s exactly why getting a development roadmap down now is so important. You can’t just go on a five year journey without directions! The North Star of this program is getting TRA Level 3 certified. As long as that happens, I will personally consider it a success.

Chroma currently has three main design requirements: be Level 2 high-power capable, reach >Mach 1.8, and prove out technologies for Spectra and Gamma at the smaller end of the spectrum. It will stand just over five feet tall and use a 54mm fiberglass airframe for a minimum diameter build. Chroma Mk1, the first to be built, will be used to obtain my TRA L2 certification and de-risk the custom Taygete flight computer. Future Mk2 builds will implement necessary upgrades needed to fly higher and faster as the second stage of Gamma.

At this point you’re probably thinking “So… when do you expect this thing to fly.” Well, assuming construction starts in May 2025, I’d say Chroma Mk1 will be ready for flight by mid-October. Mind you, Taygete won’t be flying for awhile, but I’m aiming to fly Chroma itself at least twice before the end of the year. Next year is when things will really ramp up with Taygete, Chroma Mk1.x builds, and maybe even a hybrid firing or two. Keep in mind that a lot of plans I have a dependent on finding launch and test sites, which are harder to find than you might initially think at this scale. If you’re on the Space Coast (preferably Titusville area) and have some spare room or a field I can set up shop in get in touch!

Stay on the lookout for the next post in Series 0, where I’ll discuss Chroma Mk1.x and Taygete in more detail.

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