Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering – Students in Space

Introduction to DARE

Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering (DARE) is a pioneering student-led organization based at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Founded in 2001, DARE has been at the forefront of student space exploration, focusing on the design, development, and launch of high-powered rockets and small satellites. The organization’s primary goal is to provide hands-on experience to students interested in aerospace engineering while pushing the boundaries of student-led space projects.

History and Mission

DARE was established by a group of ambitious aerospace engineering students who wanted to explore the practical aspects of their field beyond the classroom. The organization’s mission is to inspire and educate future generations of aerospace engineers by providing them with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and participate in international competitions.

Over the years, DARE has grown from a small group of enthusiasts to a well-established organization with over 100 active members. The organization has participated in numerous international competitions and has collaborated with leading aerospace companies and institutions.

Organizational Structure

DARE is entirely run by students, with a hierarchical structure that ensures efficient project management and decision-making. The organization is headed by a board of directors, which consists of a chairman, secretary, and treasurer. The board is responsible for the overall management of the organization, including financial planning, strategic decision-making, and external relations.

Below the board, there are several departments focused on specific aspects of the organization’s projects, such as:

• Propulsion
• Avionics
• Structures
• Recovery
• Ground Support Equipment
• Marketing and Communications

Each department has a team leader who oversees the work of their team members and reports to the board of directors.

Projects and Achievements

Stratos Rocket Program

The Stratos Rocket Program is one of DARE’s flagship projects, aiming to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets capable of reaching the edge of space. The program has three main objectives:

1. To provide students with hands-on experience in rocket engineering
2. To conduct scientific experiments in the upper atmosphere
3. To set new altitude records for student-built rockets

The Stratos program has seen significant success over the years, with each iteration of the rocket pushing the boundaries of student rocketry.

Stratos I

Launched in 2009, Stratos I was DARE’s first attempt at building a high-powered rocket. The rocket reached an altitude of 12.5 km, setting a new European record for student-built rockets at the time.

Stratos II+

In 2015, DARE launched the Stratos II+ rocket, which reached an altitude of 21.5 km, breaking the European altitude record for student-built rockets once again. The rocket also carried a scientific payload to measure atmospheric conditions during the flight.

Stratos III

The Stratos III rocket, launched in 2018, was DARE’s most ambitious project to date. The rocket was designed to reach an altitude of 100 km, the widely accepted boundary of space. Although the rocket experienced a malfunction during the flight and did not reach its target altitude, it still set a new European record for student-built rockets, reaching an altitude of 21.5 km.

CanSat Competition

In addition to the Stratos Rocket Program, DARE also participates in the annual CanSat Competition, organized by the European Space Agency (ESA). The competition challenges student teams to design, build, and launch a small satellite the size of a soda can, hence the name “CanSat.”

DARE has participated in the CanSat Competition multiple times, consistently ranking among the top teams. In 2019, the DARE CanSat team won first place in the competition, demonstrating their expertise in satellite design and development.

Satellite Projects

DARE has also ventured into the field of small satellites, with the aim of providing students with experience in satellite engineering and mission design. The organization is currently working on two satellite projects:

1. DelfiSat: A 1U CubeSat designed to demonstrate new technologies for small satellite missions.
2. SONATE: A 2U CubeSat aimed at testing a novel attitude control system using miniaturized components.

These projects provide students with valuable experience in satellite design, systems engineering, and project management.

Educational Outreach and Collaborations

Educational Outreach

DARE is committed to inspiring and educating younger generations about space exploration and aerospace engineering. The organization regularly participates in educational outreach activities, such as:

• School visits: DARE members visit local schools to give presentations about their projects and the importance of STEM education.
• Open days: DARE hosts open days at the Delft University of Technology, inviting the public to learn about their projects and the field of aerospace engineering.
• Workshops: DARE organizes workshops for high school students, introducing them to the basics of rocket design and satellite engineering.

Through these outreach activities, DARE aims to spark interest in space exploration and encourage more students to pursue careers in aerospace engineering.

Collaborations

DARE has collaborated with numerous aerospace companies, institutions, and organizations over the years, including:

• European Space Agency (ESA)
• Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR)
• Airbus Defence and Space
• Dutch Space
• ISIS – Innovative Solutions in Space

These collaborations provide DARE with access to expertise, resources, and facilities that enhance the organization’s projects and educational opportunities for its members.

Future Plans and Vision

Stratos IV

Building on the success and lessons learned from the Stratos III project, DARE is currently developing the Stratos IV rocket. The goal of Stratos IV is to successfully reach an altitude of 100 km, officially crossing the boundary of space. The rocket will also carry scientific payloads to conduct experiments in the upper atmosphere.

Expanding Satellite Capabilities

DARE plans to continue its work on small satellites, with the goal of developing more advanced CubeSat missions. The organization aims to develop satellites with enhanced capabilities, such as high-resolution Earth observation, space weather monitoring, and technology demonstration.

International Collaborations

DARE seeks to expand its international collaborations with other student space organizations and industry partners. By working with teams from around the world, DARE aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote cultural understanding, and push the boundaries of student-led space projects.

FAQ

1. Q: How can I join DARE?
   A: To join DARE, you must be a student at the Delft University of Technology. Interested students can attend the organization’s recruitment events at the beginning of each academic year or contact the board directly for more information.

2. Q: Does DARE offer internships or research opportunities?
   A: Yes, DARE occasionally offers internships and research opportunities for students, particularly in the fields of propulsion, avionics, and structures. Interested students should contact the relevant department team leader for more information.

3. Q: How is DARE funded?
   A: DARE is funded through a combination of sponsorships, grants, and university support. The organization actively seeks partnerships with industry and institutions to secure funding for its projects.

4. Q: Can international students join DARE?
   A: Yes, international students enrolled at the Delft University of Technology are welcome to join DARE. The organization values diversity and encourages students from all backgrounds to participate in its projects.

5. Q: What skills can I gain by joining DARE?
   A: By joining DARE, students can gain practical experience in various aspects of aerospace engineering, such as propulsion, avionics, structures, and project management. Additionally, students can develop soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are highly valued in the aerospace industry.

Conclusion

Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering (DARE) is a testament to the power of student-led innovation in the field of space exploration. Through its ambitious projects, such as the Stratos Rocket Program and satellite missions, DARE provides students with unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience in aerospace engineering.

The organization’s commitment to educational outreach ensures that the next generation of aerospace engineers is inspired and prepared to tackle the challenges of space exploration. As DARE continues to push the boundaries of student-led space projects, it is clear that the future of aerospace innovation is in capable hands.

With its strong track record of success, international collaborations, and dedicated team of students, DARE is poised to make significant contributions to the field of space exploration in the years to come. As the organization sets its sights on even more ambitious projects, such as reaching the edge of space with the Stratos IV rocket, it is clear that the sky is no longer the limit for these talented and driven students.