Subteams & Divisions

Orbital is divided into several subteams that take on a unique aspect of our larger engineering projects. Creating small, focused teams fosters ownership and builds valuable project management skills.

Hapsis Program

Launch Structure

This team team is responsible for designing and manufacturing the system that takes the rocket and all necessary systems the launch altitude. Members of the launch structure team will be very involved in the hands-on manufacturing of our system and gain lots of valuable experience. They also work with all the other teams on Orbital as their hardware interfaces with that of most other teams.

Flight systems

This team works on the high-altitude balloon, the success of the descent, and the stabilization of the launch structure. Flight Systems has three main components; the Quick Detachment Method (QDM), the Rocket Igniter Puncture Device (RIPD), and Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C). The QDM is the system that cuts the rope between the high-altitude balloon and the payload box after the rocket is ignited. The RIPD is the system that deflates the balloon after the rocket is ignited. The GN&C is the system that stabilizes the launch structure, so the rocket gets launched in the correct direction.

avionics

This team designs and manages the hardware and software radio infrastructure that communicates with the payload, the flight computer and how it interacts with all the sensors and controllers on the payload, and the software that allows the team to control the rocket from the ground. The team has a variety of tasks that use concepts from computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and more. Avionics collaborates with other sub-teams such as Flight Systems to make launches and data collection operate as smoothly as possible.

Balloon infrastructure

This team is focused on everything involved with the high-altitude balloons. Team members learn inflation and tie-off methods, design and construct rigging lines that connect the balloon to the payload and launch structure, and have the responsibility of facilitating the launch of the balloon once every other team has secured their components. Because of this, they work with every other Hapsis sub team to ensure security of connected systems and help facilitate launches for smaller scale tests as well.

hapsis systems

This team, a part of the Pegasus division, oversees and coordinates the whole Hapsis program. The team does this by writing and reviewing requirements, reviewing testing and verification documentation, and overviewing mission direction and plans through design reviews. The team has members who work with all Hapsis sub-teams to assist with the coordination and integration of component development. Systems need more than pure technical skills requiring strong communication skill to communicate within the organization as well as overseeing the information that gets shared with external partners.

Icarus Program

Propulsion

This team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and testing the 7.5 kN*s solid rocket motor that will power Icarus. Immediate milestones for this semester will be propellant characterization tests, and working towards a critical design review of the flight motor. Team members will be working closely with Zucrow Laboratories.

Airframe

This team design, manufacturings, and assembles the sounding rocket airframes for the Icarus program. Airframe collaborates closesly with the other sub-teams building the fuselage and avionics & payload bays within which every other team integrates. This semester Airframe will manufacture the Icarus Alpha Airframe and integrate with the Propulsion team's motor and the Mechatronics's seperation mechanism.

Guidance, navigation, & control (GN&C)

This team is focused on designing a control system to guide the ascent of the rocket and insertion of the satellite into orbit. To accomplish this GN&C has designed a reaction control system (RCS) to demonstrate and test how the GN&C system would operate on a rocket. This semester GN&C will be preparing for the demonstrator's test in the Spring by finalizing the assembly of the plumbing system, performing component testing, installing the electronics hardware, and preparing the controller Simulink model. After the test has been completed GN&C plans to assess the data produced by the test, correct any errors, and begin designing the RCS system for the Icarus missions.

Mechatronics

This team is focused on research and development for specialized parts for the overall Icarus Project. Team members work together on research, design, construction and testing of systems, including use of 3D modeling and some shop work. Currently the focus is on a developed staging system design, and will involve testing the current design, modification of the design based on results and further research, and planning for integration with other rocket components.

ICarus systems

This team, a part of the Pegasus division, oversees and coordinates the whole Icarus program. The job of the systems engineers in research and development will heavily emphasize collaboration with various subteams (propulsion, controls, and structures). The design and implementation of the essential systems architecture for the Icarus rocket, as well as the process of developing requirements, design specifications, and presentations for the rocket design.

Payload

Contributing to both the Hapsis and Icarus missions the Payload team build enclosures to protect fragile flight computers on the Hapsis high altitude balloons and partner payloads flying in the Icarus sounding rockets. This team utilizes structures, thermal, and other analysis methods to ensure what goes up comes back in one piece. Payload is a uniquely collaborative team because of their integration role.

Manufacturing

This team is responsible for the manufacturing of many complex components that cannot be aquired commercially. Members of the manufacturing team spend most of their time in the Bechtel Innovation Design Center making parts on mills, lathes, waterjets, 3D printers, and more.

Enterprise & Operations  

The operations team focuses on a variety of club logistic, fundraising, and outreach responsibilities. This includes coordinating club events throughout the year and maintaining the public presence of the organization.

Payload Partnership Development

New for 2024, we are seeking entrepreneurial students who are interested in building a service around the Icarus sounding rockets. Coordinating with partner organizations to schedule payload launches and define logistics. The Payload Partnership Developers will be key to our Icarus team’s vision of creating an accessible sub-orbital launch platform for indiana.

TREASURY

Responsible for the finances of the team. To fund our team the Treasury team seeks sponsorship partnerships, grant applications. Enabling the engineering projects this team manages budgets and works with Purdue’s Business Office to procure materials and supplies.

BRand & Events

Responsible for the team identity and Purdue Orbital’s participation in on-campus activities. The Brand & Events team design Purdue Orbital’s logo branding and operate the social media. This team also coordinates with Purdue administration and other student organizations to participate in on-campus outreach and other school spirit events.