Project Premise

A high power rocket project that integrates mechanical design, mechatronics, statics, and systems engineering to develop a novel recovery strategy. A moving mass inside the rocket dynamically adjusts the center of gravity through flight to reduce terminal velocity during descent and maintain stability during launch.

Design and Analysis

Statics

• Must withstand 25G in compression and 20G in tension
• Designed under tight mass, volume, and manufacturing constraints
• Homemade ground equipment statically loads rocket components up to 1.5x expected flight loads

Test stand for static testing

Systems engineering

• Unique integration strategy improves modularity and accessibility of components during testing
• Risk analysis through subscale prototyping and reliability testing

Mechanisms

• Custom motor clutch locks weight during high-G events
• Belt and pulley system capable of quickly adjusting weight for fast feedback

Clutch with motor

Mechatronics

• Custom flight computer and software
• Robust state machine ensures safety on the pad and reliability during flight