Reaction Control System: A Universal Design for Beginners in Rocketry
2021
As a part of KatyISD’s GT Independent Mentorship (GTISM), I wanted to explore the likes of the aerospace industry, but more specifically rocketry in an effort to gain a better understanding of how a certain subsystem of a rocket gets planned, tested, and added into a rocket. For this reason, my proposed project that I wished to work on for the program was a Reaction Control System for Stabilization of a Model Rocket. With this, I had to follow an in-depth analysis of a research process that included examining a problem that this system would solve, existing solutions, and my own solution. With this development, I had to conduct research on other cold gas propulsion mechanisms for small-scale projects such as satellites and model rockets in order to learn more about how I would go about the project. This is most definitely the crown jewel of my engineering achievements and was the most fun to work on in every aspect of it. I was motivated throughout the entire project and it opened my eyes to the inspiring reality of what space exploration and engineering have in stock for me.
Problem
The problem that I have identified is a lack of experience with model rocketry that can be applied to real-world applications so that people studying aerospace engineering can learn and develop their skills in rocket science. Although any major institutions or companies have not identified this problem, it is tough to get started in this field from a student looking to get involved. My problem exists primarily because many people are expected to pursue college degrees to get started in this industry. Still, from examples of people doing amateur rocketry, it is possible to do. This problem mainly impacts engineering students and anyone trying to get started learning about rocket science. With this problem, the cost of not knowing about such a system easily can create a lack of interest after not being able to start and losing motivation due to a lack of available resources. The consequences present of the problem yield a lack of interest in the field and fewer people willing to get involved in the space industry.
Solution
Many of the solutions to my problem don’t precisely fit the constraints that I wanted to work in this problem. For example, many high school programs allow students to learn about space. Still, many of these programs are elementary or do not precisely challenge the students as much as possible when necessary. Because of this, there were not many solutions to my problem. However, many of the solutions I found for the reaction control system design were designed explicitly for nano-satellites instead of rockets (Adelis-SAMSON Nano-Satellites). This research paper did a great job explaining many of the challenges and factors that played a role in creating a design for the system.
