An aerospace milestone for the URJC

An initiative of students of the EIF has successfully launched the SATUS-1 rocket, a vehicle developed entirely as part of an experimental rocketry training program.

Written by Daniel Blazquez

On April 5th, at 13:28 p.m., Brunete Aerodrome (Madrid) witnessed the launch of the SATUS-1 rocket. This achievement, promoted by the COSMOS Student Aerospace Association, belonging to the Fuenlabrada School of Engineering of the URJC, marks the beginning of a new stage within this student group and represents an important step forward for the practical training of the EIF itself.

During the flight, the 1,21-meter-high, 7,9-centimeter-diameter craft reached an altitude of 450 meters, a figure lower than the initially planned 980 meters, due to an engine combustion problem. However, the organization described the mission as "a resounding success," as it "allowed the validation of multiple key systems, demonstrated the effective integration of the vehicle, and laid the groundwork for even more ambitious future developments."

The plan was primarily led by three technical directors: Enrique Torres, project manager and general launch coordinator; Joaquín Vispe, responsible for the vehicle's structural design; and Patrick Townsend, responsible for electronic and telecommunications systems and project co-director. Furthermore, it is worth highlighting the work of numerous students who, as the organizing committee notes, "have dedicated their talent, time, and energy to the development, testing, and execution of the mission," as well as the collaboration of Pablo Solano, professor of Aerospace Engineering at the URJC, and Pedro de las Heras, deputy director of Students and University Outreach and Dissemination at the EIF.

'EuRoC', the next challenge

Following the launch of SATUS-1, the COSMOS rocketry team is now preparing to compete in the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) by developing Lightning Traveller, a new rocket designed to reach altitudes of 3.000 meters.

Ultimately, this milestone places this EIF student association on the international scene, demonstrating its commitment to excellence, technological innovation, and applied learning in the space field.