About Us
The Strathclyde Aerospace Innovation Society is the University of Strathclyde’s largest aerospace society, founded in 2019. Our mission is to serve as a platform for students to grow as engineers and leaders by participating in our large-scale, extracurricular projects in rocketry, space systems, and aviation. With over 100 new member signups this year, our members represent some of the university's most dedicated and enthusiastic students.
One of the main ways we aim to accomplish our mission is by taking part in the Spaceport America Cup for the fourth year running, the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket engineering conference and competition, where over 1,700 students gather annually to collaborate and compete at the world-class Spaceport America launch facility.
If successful, we will break the Scottish student altitude record and beyond, reaching 30,000ft with our current concept rocket. Taranis.
Our Rocket, Taranis
In order to reach 30,00ft, we first need a rocket. Our current concept design, Taranis, will be faster, taller, and heavier than our previous rockets. Standing at 3.5 meters (12 ft) and reaching speeds of Mach 1.7 (1,304 mph), this will bring unique and challenging engineering problems that will need to be solved. With three previous years of experience in developing and launching rockets in the competition, we believe we can repeat and eclipse our past success. The experience gained from this will be instrumental in creating, inspiring, and providing the next generation of engineers with the skills required to pursue a fulfilling career in engineering.
The Team
There are various sub-teams that members can join that all offer different experiences and chances to gain new skills outside of classes. These sub-teams all work together and are each respectively headed by a sub-team lead that manage the members and give out tasks ranging from research to designing components on CAD. These sub-teams are then all under the supervision of the rocketry co-leads who ensure that all aspects of the team and rocket are working as planned for a successful design. These offer great leadership opportunities for members to gain communication and management skills.
Structures
The structures sub-team are responsible for the design and manufacture of the nosecone, airframe, fins, and internal supports. The team aims to manufacture as much of the rocket as possible, allowing students to get practical experience, on top of going through a design process similar to that which will be found in industry.
Recovery and Propulsion
The Recovery and Propulsion sub-team are responsible for ensuring that the rocket can actually launch off the launch pad by a solid-rocket motor and be recovered successfully through a dual-deployment system consisting of a drogue parachute and a main chute.
Avionics
The Avionics sub-team tracks the flight of the rocket through flight computers.
These record flight data, track and transmit the rocket’s location as well as triggering the recovery events, allowing for a safe landing for the rocket and a clear idea of where the landing site is. For Taranis, a Student Research and Developed flight computer will be developed, further allowing students to gain experience in areas not covered in classes.
Payload
The payload of this rocket will be functional and non-deployable, with the primary objective of collecting data to model characteristics of the rocket’s flight.
Specifically, it will measure temperature, vibration, and spin rate using a suite of sensors, including accelerometers, and gyroscopes.
It’s a great chance for members to develop interdisciplinary skills, an extremely useful skill set within the real-life industry.
Thank You, RS
The support from RS Student Fund has already had a massive impact on the current development of Taranis. The various components and equipment we have been able to secure through the fund has allowed us to get a head start on the early development and manufacture of Taranis, leaving more time for members to research and design innovative components and ideas.
STM32H563ZIT6 (269-5189)
This high-performance microcontroller is a key component for our student-developed flight computer. Used for real-time sensor data acquisition, it is responsible for providing flight state management that ensures a nominal flight profile.
MS5607 Barometer (893-7095)
This barometer is responsible for altitude detection, providing valuable apogee data for the team whilst being responsible for parachute deployment at target altitudes. High-quality components like this are integral in ensuring safe flights.
ADXL356 Accelerometer (139-1746)
This accelerometer is part of the suite of sensors that compose our innovative SRAD flight computer. The acceleration data provided is essential to ensure Mach safety and that our rocket has a successful recovery.
RS PRO Liquid Adhesive (014-4406)
When constructing a rocket, it is vital to ensure proper adhesion between structural components. This is why we chose to go with RS Pro Liquid Adhesive. The strong chemical and mechanical bonds provided will ensure our rocket survives speeds of up to 1300mph!
Loctite Hysol 3423 (458-9585)
This high-strength adhesive will serve as the attachment method for our fin to airframe joint. With both strength and surface finish being of concern, this viscous adhesive was the perfect choice to ensure our rocket is both aerodynamic and structurally sound!
Don’t Believe Us?
Here’s what some of the members have to say about StrathAIS and their experience within the society.
Owen - “Being in StrathAIS has taught me aspects of engineering not covered in lectures. The confidence I have gained has allowed me to take on new projects and meet great people at the same time!”
Alex McMillan – “StrathAIS has given me the opportunity to lead a team and develop countless skills I would not gain from my degree. It has allowed me to meet many great, like-minded people and build extremely useful leadership qualities.”
Tom McHugh - “The skills and knowledge I have gained as part of StrathAIS has made me a better engineer. I have also met some amazing people and developed confidence in leading large projects”
Ellen – “Being part of StrathAIS has been an incredible experience, offering opportunities beyond what my degree alone could provide. Working on a project with such a driven team has been both inspiring and rewarding. Through this society, I’ve gained valuable technical expertise and leadership skills, which have further strengthened my passion for engineering.”
Liam Pason – “StrathAIS has allowed me to develop skills and encounter experiences otherwise not offered on my course alone. The chance to work on a completely student-led project and find solutions to unique engineering challenges has been extremely beneficial, meeting talented people and preparing me for my future career.”
Conclusion
By the summer of 2025, we hope to launch Taranis, reaching 30,000ft and breaking the Scottish student altitude record. Until then, the success of this rocket depends completely on motivated, inspired and innovative students. We believe that the experiences and skills gained through the design and development process are exactly what the future generation of engineers need to succeed.
With the help of the RS Student Fund, this has already become more achievable, the invaluable support and funding has already been impactful from the various components purchased to the multitude of resources required to run a society. We look forward to further support and partnership within this dedicated community!
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