In December 2010, it was announced by the Stratos II project team that the deadline for the proof-of-concept for the two competing propulsion teams (Solid and Hybrid) will be in June. By the June launch day, the teams should demonstrate their capability of producing a propulsion system that could take Stratos II to its goal altitude of 50km. Based on this demonstration, a single propulsion concept will be selected for further development as part of the Stratos II project. Since this announcement, the Solid Propulsion team has been working overtime  to improve the Alan propellant formulation, as well as design and build testing equipment and research materials suitable for the motor casings.

Firstly, with the help of TU technical staff, the tedious process of sensor recalibration was completed. Now the pressure sensors can be used for future pressurized burn tests.

Secondly, the propellant formulation was improved. The previous formulation, Alan-5, had issues with ignitability and a rather low regression rate; the new formulation, Alan-7, has a significantly improved performance on those points and will likely make its debut appearance soon, so stay tuned for further updates.

Currently DARE is waiting for the new propellant licenses (WECG) so all work with propellants is suspended until they are in. In the meantime, the Solid Six group has been busy with improving the design of the pressure burn-test device, which will allow multiple tests in a day. Recently some Solid Six members took a special course in lathe threading for this purpose. The production of the actual test casings is scheduled to begin next week.

Additionally, a new test stand for impact testing has been designed, and will be produced in the coming weeks.

To raise the stakes higher and pump up team spirit, the teamleader placed a bet on a bottle of single-malt 12-year whisky, that at the upcoming launch day in May 2011 a rocket will be launched with the new Alan propellant. The whole team is now dedicated to winning this bet!