Project Overview
Aethera is an autonomous dirigible platform that will carry the necessary infrastructure for a standard high powered rocket launch to a high altitude. This platform will be able to execute a launch, and be recovered. The platform will able to be reused with minimal refurbishment. The final test of the platform will be the launch of a space bound rocket.
Why Project Aethera?
With the completion of this platform RIT Launch Initiative's rockets will be able to reach higher altitudes than ground based launches. The cost savings of using a lighter than air stage as opposed to multi stage rockets will offset initial development costs as the platform is reused. Ultimately, Aethera will expand RIT Launch's launch capabilities in a novel and cost effective manner.
Team Members
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Matt Ryan (Project Manager) - 4th year Industrial and Systems Engineer
Brahm Soltes - 3rd year Mechanical Engineer Jim Heaney - 3rd year Industrial and Systems Engineer Joy Sangsrichan - 3rd year Computer Science |
Pieter van Zeijts - 2nd year Mechanical Engineer
Seth Davidson - 2nd year Electrical Engineering Technology Will Merges - 2nd year Computer Science |
Updates
Upcoming Critical Design Review: TBA
October Status
Our team has been getting ready for our upcoming Preliminary Design Review by revising existing structural designs and addressing technical concerns. Additionally, we have also been reviewing some mathematical justifications to finalize the technical scope of the project. Our biggest issues at the moment are dealing with drift in the recovery system and the potential loss of communication after reaching a certain altitude. We are looking forward to presenting what we have worked on so far along with the computer-aided designs of our platform and rocket in our PDR!
October Status
Our team has been getting ready for our upcoming Preliminary Design Review by revising existing structural designs and addressing technical concerns. Additionally, we have also been reviewing some mathematical justifications to finalize the technical scope of the project. Our biggest issues at the moment are dealing with drift in the recovery system and the potential loss of communication after reaching a certain altitude. We are looking forward to presenting what we have worked on so far along with the computer-aided designs of our platform and rocket in our PDR!
