Aurora Rocketry

MEET THE TEAM

RECOVERY

OVERVIEW

The Recovery System team is responsible for the design, development, and validation of the systems that enable the safe recovery of the rocket after flight. This includes the development of a double parachute-based descent system (first and second deployment) used to control and stabilize the rocket during landing operations, while protecting it from damage upon touchdown. Achieving this requires careful engineering, system integration, and extensive testing to guarantee success through all phases of recovery.

RECOVERY SYSTEM DESIGN and INTEGRATION

The department designs the complete recovery architecture of the launch vehicle, including drogue and main parachute systems, deployment mechanisms, shock cords, anchoring interfaces, and payload protection solutions. The design process focuses on achieving a balance between structural reliability, descent stability, mass optimization, and safe landing conditions. Particular attention is dedicated to the integration between avionics, pyrotechnic deployment systems, and the rocket structure to ensure synchronized and fault-tolerant operations during flight recovery phases.

DESCENT DYNAMICS and RECOVERY SIMULATION

The team performs analytical and numerical simulations to model the rocket behavior during descent. These analyses include the study of aerodynamic drag, opening loads, descent velocities, wind influence, drift prediction, and landing dispersion. Simulations are used to validate parachute sizing, deployment timing, and overall recovery stability under different mission conditions.

GROUD TESTING and VALIDATION CAMPAIGNS

Extensive experimental activities are conducted to validate all recovery subsystems before flight operations. These tests include parachute deployment verification, ejection system characterization, tensile and load resistance testing, sensor integration checks, and full-scale recovery rehearsals. Continuous testing and iterative validation are essential to ensure mission safety and successful vehicle recovery after launch.