AerospaceNU | Northeastern University
Sep 2025 – Dec 2025
Project Overview
RocketWorks is a team-based aerospace engineering project within AerospaceNU, focused on the design, fabrication, and testing of a 6-foot high-power rocket. The objective of the project was to design a structurally sound rocket capable of reaching a target apogee exceeding 1000 meters, with a maximum acceleration of approximately 200 m/s², while ensuring reliable deployment of the recovery system.
The project required close coordination between design, simulation, fabrication, and testing to ensure performance and safety goals were met.
My Role
As a member of the Airframe Group, I contributed to the mechanical design, fabrication, and assembly of the rocket structure. I worked within a five-person team, supporting CAD modeling, performance analysis, and hands-on construction, with particular responsibility for fabrication execution and measurement accuracy.
Design & Engineering Process
Structural Design & Simulation
- Contributed to the mechanical design of the rocket airframe using SOLIDWORKS
- Supported performance prediction and flight analysis using OpenRocket, evaluating apogee, acceleration, and stability
- Participated in design discussions to balance structural integrity, weight, and manufacturability
Fabrication & Assembly
- Led the physical fabrication process, performing precise measurements, cutting, drilling, and component preparation
- Worked extensively with Kraft paper body tubes, ensuring proper alignment and structural consistency
- Applied epoxy bonding techniques to assemble airframe components and ensure joint integrity
Integration & Testing
- Assisted with ejection system integration and testing, verifying proper separation and deployment of recovery components
- Conducted hands-on testing to validate fabrication quality and subsystem functionality
- Collaborated with teammates to troubleshoot fabrication and assembly challenges
Tools & Skills Applied
- SOLIDWORKS (CAD modeling and assemblies)
- OpenRocket (flight simulation and performance analysis)
- Fabrication techniques: cutting, drilling, bonding, and manual assembly
- Measurement accuracy and quality control
- Team-based engineering collaboration and design reviews
Results
- Successfully fabricated and assembled a 6-foot high-power rocket airframe
- Validated recovery system functionality through ejection testing
- Confirmed structural readiness for flight based on design specifications and testing outcomes
- Rocket scheduled for launch to validate performance predictions and flight stability
Key Takeaways
- Gained hands-on experience translating CAD designs into physical aerospace hardware
- Developed confidence in precision fabrication and assembly under real performance constraints
- Strengthened understanding of the relationship between design decisions and flight performance
- Learned to work effectively within a collaborative, deadline-driven engineering team
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