About Aero Pack

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

Aero Pack motor retainers RA29 through RA98
and custom RA150 for 6" diameter motor

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.

Current project:

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

Aero Pack continues to offer design work in electronic packaging.

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 2009 there has been a surge in mid power rocketry. Aero Pack added another 29mm retainer (3 total) that allow fit to a wide variety of 29mm motor tubes. There were also some large projects using 3 different types of 6 inch diameter motors. For these projects Aero Pack developed custom RA150 retainers.

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 unique clearanced truncated threads that not only provide a quick spin-on and spin-off feature but that also tolerate dirt and do not require grease that will attract grit.

In addition, our retainers work with just about every type of motor hardware, including hybrids. Aero Pack retainers accept aft-closure type motors as well as snap-ring type motors and our smallest 29mm retainers accept both 29/40-120 hobby rocketry motors and 29/60-360 high power 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 # 01656 NAR # 87914