About Aero Pack

Ceramic modules used to package integrated circuits for aerospace applications

Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

Photo courtesy of Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Orion capsule mock-up with prototype docking system

Bob Mosley at Plaster City with Polecat Aerospace 5.5 inch diameter Phoenix modified to mount 75mm motors Photo by Brian Jarvis

Array of Aero Pack motor retainers and tailcone motor retainers

Aero Pack opened in 1990 offering engineering expertise in hardware design and manufacturing of high reliability, aerospace grade ceramic packages (modules) used for protecting microelectronics. Experience in Aerospace Packaging (Aero Pack) includes ceramic modules developed for the following applications:

• Hubble space telescope - ceramic module used for lens correction imaging on WFPC2.
  (Wide Field Planetary Camera II)
• F/A-18 Hornet - ceramic MCM used for FADEC upgrade on General Electric engines.
  MCM = Multi Chip Module
  FADEC = Full Authority Digital Engine Control
• YF-22 Raptor - ceramic module used in fiber-optic fly-by-wire flight control system.
• Mars Sojourner rover - ceramic module used for radiation shielded power regulator.

Recent project:

• Orion spacecraft - ceramic module used in low-impact auto-docking system.

Aero Pack continues to offer engineering services in electronic packaging for the aerospace industry.

In 1994 Aero Pack began development of high reliability rocket components for commercial and amateur applications including High Power Rocketry.

`Aero Pack`s goal for High Power Rocketry is to provide professional product design with emphasis on form, function, quality and reliability.`

In 1995 a few prototype aluminum retainers were designed to hold reloadable motor casings as well as single use motors. They had functional advantages and dressed up the business end of the rockets they were installed on. There was a lot of interest at the launches so a few more were made. By 1996 Aero Pack Quick-Change Motor Retainers were in production on CNC machinery (see photos on products page).

In 1999 we released our Quick-Change Motor Adapters. Aero Pack also received orders from aerospace firms for our larger motor retainers.

In 2002 we released our Quick-Change Tailcone Motor Retainers. Aero Pack also became a supplier for commercial OEM rocket motor companies as well as other High Power Rocketry manufacturers.

In 2005 Aero Pack was incorporated. This has been helpful in the growth and diversification that Aero Pack has seen and continues to pursue.

In 2010 Aero Pack celebrates 20 years in the aerospace industry and over 15 years in High Power Rocketry. We now have motor retainers ranging from 24mm to 98mm and offer 150mm motor retainers on a custom order basis. We have also expanded our services that support High Power Rocketry manufacturers and commercial rocket motor companies.

Over the years some companies have attempted to copy certain features of our designs but none have duplicated the function and quality you get from Aero Pack. Our retainers utilize proper engineering for their application. The result is a strong, light-weight motor retainer that is simple to use.

We do not resort to the use of imported aluminum to save cost. Aero Pack uses only U.S. made ASTM rated aluminum. We offer a superior product that includes the use of a unique thread form that not only provides a quick spin-on and spin-off feature but that also tolerates dirt and does not require grease that will attract grit.

In addition, Aero Pack motor retainers and adapters work with just about every type of motor hardware, including hybrids, and they accept aft-closure type motors as well as snap-ring type motors.

There will always be new and exciting developments in High Power Rocketry and it will continue to be a dynamic hobby for all to enjoy.Fly Safe and Have Fun !

Robert Mosley, Director
TRA # 1656
NAR # 87914