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 & payload design

This team is responsible for designing and creating the system that takes the rocket and all necessary systems to the launch altitude. Members of this team are involved in the hands-on manufacturing of our system. They also host the avionics and other payloads onto the balloon launch structure. This includes thermal control, physical protection, and electrical interfaces. They also work with all the other teams on Orbital, as their hardware interfaces with that of most other teams. This team also captures the footage from important flights.

Flight operations

This team is responsible for three critical aspects of the Hapsis Program, for which three subdivisions exist. The Ballooning Infrastructure subdivision develops the method and devices used to contain the balloon during launch and its initial ascent. The Flight Termination subdivision designs and tests a detachment and deflation device to ensure the launch structure returns safely to the ground. The Flight Dynamics subdivision develops physics simulations of our launch and initial ascent to ensure the mechanical integrity of our system.

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 to make launches and data collection operate as smoothly as possible. This team supports both Icarus and Hapsis with the development of various avionics systems.

hapsis systems

Hapsis Systems Team 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

The Propulsion team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and testing an M class, AP propellant solid rocket motor called Jalapeno that will power Icarus. This year, the propulsion team will be finalizing our motor design to complete a critical design review, design motor peripherals like a DAQ system, ignitor, and test stand, and finally hot fire our Jalapeno motor. Team members will be working closely with Zucrow Laboratories to mix, cast, and hot fire. 

Airframe

This team designs, manufactures, and assembles the sounding rocket airframes for the Icarus program. Airframe collaborates closely with the other sub-teams building the fuselage and avionics & payload bays within which every other team integrates. This semester Airframe will finish manufacturing our new Theseus Architecture and integrate with the Propulsion team's motor and the Mechatronics' separation mechanism. Additionally new designs for future two stage rockets will be developed.

Guidance, navigation, & control (GN&C)

GNC is focused on designing a control system to guide the ascent of the rocket and insertion of the satellite into orbit. This year GNC will be developing a Reaction Control System (RCS) for a rocket. This will be the platform to flight test the RCS system. The team will also begin planning for integration of the RCS system into our Theseus rocket architecture. The team is looking forward to an exciting semester of testing and development!  

avionics

This team designs and manages the rocket hardware and software responsible for in-flight deployment and successful recovery of rockets. 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 to make launches and data collection operate as smoothly as possible. This team supports both Icarus and Hapsis with the development of various avionics systems.

ICarus systems

This team 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.

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 logistics, fundraising, and outreach responsibilities. This includes coordinating club events throughout the year and maintaining the public presence of the organization.

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.

Outreach

Responsible for the team identity and Purdue Orbital’s participation in on-campus activities. They also participate in outreach and sponsorship initiatives. The Outreach team designs Purdue Orbital’s logo branding and operates 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.