Aurora Project Overview
Project Overview: Engineering Propulsive Landing Systems
Thrust vector controlled model rockets are hardly a new idea. By this point, practically everyone has seen Joe Barnard of BPS Space successfully land his TVC-controlled model rocket. But just because someone has done something before doesn’t mean it can’t be done again! Building stuff is fun! I want to learn something new!
Here’s the plan:
- Build a TVC “Hopper” — a test vehicle that uses contra-rotating propellers and an electric motor to validate simulation results, develop flight control software, and conduct GNC testing.
- Build a single-stage TVC Rocket — continue to refine the control system. Ideally, the hopper testing should refine the controls to the point where only a few single-stage flights are required—just enough to confirm the controls are tuned correctly. This rocket will not land propulsively but will be conventionally recovered via parachute instead.
- Still up in the air on which direction I’ll go with Phase 3… Got a lot of fun ideas cooking, including:
- Build a propulsively landing TVC rocket — the goal of the whole project! Leverage everything learned in Phases 1 and 2 to propulsively land a model rocket.
- Build a VTOL thrust-vectoring EDF capable of vertical takeoff, transitioning to horizontal flight, then landing vertically again. Think Anduril Roadrunner, but NOT a weapon
- “Boost-Glide” TVC — a rocket-launched vehicle that utilizes an EDF and aerodynamic control once at altitude. A similar concept to what Lafayette Systems is working on over on YouTube.
Over the coming months, I will be posting long-form updates on this site, as well as video updates on my YouTube and more frequent updates over on X. I plan to share as much of the design process as possible, rather than just posting a finished product. Hope you follow along!