Sandia National Labs launches new test rocket program

Sandia National Laboratories has developed a new sounding rocket program to carry experiments and prototypes of missile technology that could significantly cut research and development time for new weapons systems.

The High Operational Tempo Sounding Rocket Program, or HOT SHOT, was launched recently from Sandia’s Kauai Test Facility in Hawaii. The flights show whether prototype missile components can function in the intense turbulence, heat, and vibration a missile experiences in flight. It could reduce the development time of weapons systems from 15 years to less than five.

“It’s hard to imitate the same vibrations and forces a rocket experiences in flight on the ground,” Sandia mechanical engineer Greg Tipton said.

While Sandia’s testing facilities can mechanically shake objects back and forth and spin them at high speeds to mimic a flight experience, HOT SHOT provides a much closer simulation.

“HOT SHOT fills a hole between ground testing and missile testing,” Olga Spahn, manager of the department at Sandia responsible for payload integration for the program, said. “It gives researchers the flexibility to develop technology and see how it handles a flight environment at a relatively low cost.”

While HOT SHOT will not replace DOD flight tests, it will make them better prepared.

“By the time we’re flying with DOD, the technology had better work. There’s no room for failure,” Kate Helean, deputy director for technology maturation at Sandia, said. “We really want to be leaning into new and innovative ideas, and that means we have to tolerate failure early when the technology is being tested.”

Sandia plans to conduct multiple launches of the program each year.