When visiting a Chinese science center, a dismantled rocket was discovered. Having the good fortune of purchasing the rocket with a slight discount, it was returned to the lab where assembly ensued.
Little did we realize the magnitude of complicated compounding anomalies that would incur over the first three day assembly work period. Work was halted over multiple problems with the fuel valve. Several factors led to its imminent failure - too small of a regulation orifice, dissimilar component materials leading to fuel interface joint failures, and the lack of including a specially created Chinese installation tool. Plus, the Chinese translator abandoned the project when seeing the number of highly specialized rocket and aerospace words and related terminology spread throughout the pages of assembly notes.
Attaching an American valve would simplify things however the two dissimilar materials problem would still remain. The fuel valve interface was of a polymer type and the valve was metal. Fatigue would ensue causing failure in both cases.
Next, it became apparent the rocket had no ability to self stabilize, either through gyro or mechanics, electronics or fins. This could be remedied at two different levels but with increased substantial work and added redesign.
Not a total loss, the reentry method seemed simple enough to be incorporated in other designs with its spring tension and gears resulting in a self timing unit for the release of a nose cone and parachute.
At this time, due to the excessive hours and days spent on the Chinese rocket, and the added time required for complete assembly, all work is halted until further notice.
Update
http://space1usa.blogspot.tw/2018/01/space1-chinese-rocket-construction.html
