NYU Rocketry Team Payload
Sep 2019 - May 2021
What?
The surge in interest in interplanetary exploration necessitates the advancement of lander designs to ensure safe and efficient landings on diverse celestial bodies.
The Rocketry Team needs to satisfy the following requirements:
A structure that could sustain high G-force while exposing onboard electronics to reduced G-load.
Capable of self-leveling after landing with active actuation.
Should be in the upright position.
How?
Collaborate with rocket, electrical, and recovery teams to ensure mutual understanding of payload design specifications.
Design, prototype, test rocket payloads based on FEA and numerical analysis.
Shown here is the self-leveling lander. Some key features include:
Three actuating rods utilize lead screw to convert rotary motion to linear motion;
A passive suspension is build-in to the lander to protect onboard electronics;
Specially designed low center of gravity and curved outer shell allow the lander to always row to the upright position.
Lander Render with Transparent Shell
Comparison of Two Shocks (Right One Selected After Trade Study)
Exploded View of Shock Attachment
Lander Chassis
Exploded View of Lead Screw Mechanism
Closeup of Shock Attachment
Exploded View of Actuator Attachment Mechanism
Closeup of Lander Chassis and Base
Results
Won first-ever Battle of the Rockets Competition (Federation of Galaxy Explorers), Rover Event, in school rocketry team's history. Awarded Third Place in 2020.
Delivered three rocket payloads in one year with design of 100+ parts and assemblies in SOLIDWORKS including omnidirectional tension suspension system with integrated actuators.
Grew team from two to six student engineers.