Ananke
Purpose
Project Ananke is currently developing a Thrust Vector Control (TVC) and liquid bi-propellant throttling system for the Rocket Development Lab. The goal is for our system to be utilized in various flight vehicles (FV's) across the organization.
The Team
Our team was founded in early 2024 by upperclassmen with the goal of developing TVC & throttling systems not yet available to the Rocket Development Lab. Since then, 15 engineers have joined the project from various technical fields.
Why is it important?
Overstable Flight
Overstable FV's are prone to a phenomena called shuttlecocking. They are easily pushed off course by the wind, drifting far away and achieving lower overall altitudes. Active TVC stabilization counters this issue and removes the need for most control surfaces.
Control Surface Effectiveness
Many FV's use fins as control surfaces to stabilize themselves. As air density decreases at higher altitudes, the restoring forces that create this stability become less effective. TVC eliminates the dependency on air density to keep a vehicle steady.
External Damage
Any external components such as fins, grid-fins, external thrusters, are more prone to damage upon reentry and landing, driving up costs. Our GNC systems are designed to remain inside the vehicle, decreasing the risk of unnecessary damage. This additionally decreases the drag forces during flight.
Fuel Efficiency
Drag forces vary for each vehicle geometry and speed. A continuously changing engine thrust allows FV's to dynamically adapt to drag forces mid-flight, maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving higher altitudes, and allowing longer mission times.
Landing Technology
Both TVC and throttling technology could be utilized in our flight vehicles to allow for targeted landing. This would allow for easy payload retrieval, minimized impact damage, and allow for rapid turnaround launches.
Tyche
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784 lbf
Ethanol
LO2
Engine Thrust:
Fuel:
Oxidizer:
Milestones
F-24
F-24
S-25
S-25
F-25
F-25
Requirements - Completed
System Design - In Progress
System Production
System Test Campaign
Advanced R&D and GNC Development
Hot-fire Test Campaign
Continuation
After the conclusion of the hotfire campaign, all systems developed by our team will be used in a GNC lander vehicle, Astreaus. It will be the flagship flight vehicle for RDL-GNC and a senior capstone.