Motor Procurement¶
Context¶
Need H-class motor for L1 certification attempt. Options:
- Buy in Estonia, transport to Sweden
- Buy locally in Sweden
Decision¶
Purchase motor locally in Sweden (H128W + 38mm→29mm adapter from Swedish Tripoli members)
Reasoning¶
Estonian Regulatory Uncertainty¶
Estonia lacks clear framework for amateur rocketry:
- No Tripoli prefecture or members
- No established rocket launch sites
- Contacted Lennuamet (aviation authority) and TTJA (consumer protection/technical safety) - neither could provide clear guidance on pyrotechnics handling
P2 Pyrotechnics Classification¶
H-class motors (rocketry classification) are P2 category in EU pyrotechnics regulation (Directive 2013/29/EU). P2 requires "specialist knowledge" to handle.
Rules differ by country and TTJA couldn't confirm what certifications/tests would be required for legal purchase and possession in Estonia.
Border Transport Issues¶
Even if legally obtained in Estonia:
- Transporting pyrotechnics across borders requires paperwork
- Each country may have different rules
- Additional bureaucratic overhead for one-time use
Ferry Transport - Confirmed Ban¶
Contacted Tallink to inquire about procedure for transporting rocket motors.
Result: Blanket ban on dangerous substances on passenger ferries. No procedure exists, no exceptions.
Cargo ferries might allow it, but Tallink operates no cargo ferries on the Estonia-Sweden route.
Swedish Solution¶
Contacted Swedish Tripoli members who confirmed:
- Can sell 1-2 AeroTech H128W motors locally
- May have 38mm→29mm adapter available
- No border crossing with pyrotechnics needed
- Legal under Swedish framework
Outcome¶
Motor will be purchased at or near launch site in Sweden. Eliminates all transport and regulatory complications.
Hardware Acquired¶
Purchased Aerotech reloadable motor casings from Rolf Örell (Sweden):
| Casing | Diameter | Max Impulse | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38/720 | 38mm | 720 N-s | J motors (L2 certification) |
| 29/180 | 29mm | 180 N-s | H motors (L1 class flights) |
Casings are reusable - only reload kits needed for future flights. More economical long-term than single-use motors.
L2 Motor Procurement¶
For L2 certification attempt (target: 7 February 2026):
- Ordered AeroTech J420R-14A from Space Rocket Technology (Germany)
- Shipping to Peter Steen in Sweden
- Awaiting shipping confirmation