Rocketry
Welcome to my Rocketry Page! As a member of DARE (Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering), I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of rocketry. For over 4 years, I was part of a dynamic team striving to be the first student group to reach space. From conducting spaceflight research to achieving altitude records, my journey with DARE was exhilarating and fulfilling.
Parachutes
I had the opportunity to work on the recovery team for rockets like Aether, Stratos II+, and Stratos III, focusing on parachute systems. Among them, the fully aramid Hemisflo Ribbon parachute stood out as a project I was deeply involved in. I conducted wind-tunnel tests, collaborated with sponsors for custom ropes, and performed thorough tensile failure tests on all components, including ropes, stitching patterns, swivels, and links. Evaluating the strength retention of different knot types in aramid ropes was particularly enjoyable.
Propulsion
My journey into propulsion started with a curious experiment at the age of 11, attempting to create a smoke bomb by casting rocket candy. Although our school play was disqualified, that experience sparked a passion that continues to drive me.
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Through my involvement in Project Phoenix, I gained hands-on experience in designing, integrating, and testing feed-systems for hybrid rocket engines. As a safety trainee, I also contributed to the development of solid rocket motors by casting and testing pyrotechnic materials.
Auto-Rotation Recovery
As part of the Infinity & Beyond project, I contributed to the development of an auto-rotation recovery system—an innovative alternative to parachutes that employs rotating blades to slow down rockets. By designing a reliable deployment mechanism, we successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology during a launch.
Supplimentary Skills
Being a member of DARE has provided me with a diverse skill set that extends beyond rocketry. Safety is paramount in our work, and I've gained expertise in range safety protocols, transportation of energetic materials, and conducting safety evaluations using checklists.
Moreover, I've honed my skills in machining, problem-solving, and rapid prototyping techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Metal fabrication, including bending, CNC milling, and turning, as well as composite fabrication are all integral parts of my skill repertoire.
