Tasks
● Design a two-stage rocket recovery system for use in a 100 lb hybrid rocket going to 30,000 ft
● Design and build every aspect downstream of the flight computers
● Full ownership of sourcing, manufacturing, integration, and testing of the recovery system
● Work within constraints that rule out black powder-based systems — common in experimental rocketry — due to safety and noise concerns
Actions
● Designed a CO2-actuated recovery system
● Integrated a mix of custom and commercial parts to ensure complete reliability
● Utilized shear screws, shock cords, swivels, and o-rings to ensure smooth functionality
● Programmed a MATLAB formula to calculate optimal parachute sizes, minimizing shock forces and ground impact speed
● Manufactured a lightweight aluminum recovery bulkhead to withstand over 2000 lbf
● Designed the wiring linking the recovery hardware to the rocket flight computers with maximum redundancy
● Repeatedly tested the integrated recovery system
Results
● System achieved 100% reliability when triggered correctly by flight computers
● This recovery system was used in Columbia's first fully successful launch & recovery in June, 2024
● This recovery system design has continued to be used by Columbia even after I graduated
