Introduction to Oronos Polytechnique
Oronos Polytechnique is a student-led rocket team based at the prestigious École Polytechnique in France. The team, composed of highly motivated and talented engineering students, has been making waves in the aerospace industry with their innovative rocket designs and successful launches. Their passion for space exploration and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible have earned them recognition from both the academic and professional communities.
The Oronos Polytechnique Mission
The primary mission of Oronos Polytechnique is to design, build, and launch high-performance rockets while providing hands-on experience for students interested in aerospace engineering. By participating in various international competitions and collaborating with industry partners, the team aims to foster innovation, develop practical skills, and contribute to the advancement of space technology.
Key Objectives
- Design and manufacture high-performance rockets using state-of-the-art technologies
- Compete in prestigious international rocket competitions
- Collaborate with industry partners to gain real-world experience and insights
- Promote space exploration and inspire the next generation of aerospace engineers

The Role of PCB Designs in Rocket Development
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) play a crucial role in the development of modern rockets. These compact, lightweight, and reliable electronic components are essential for controlling various systems within the rocket, such as propulsion, guidance, navigation, and telemetry. Oronos Polytechnique recognizes the importance of PCB designs in their rocket projects and has invested significant time and resources into developing custom boards tailored to their specific needs.
Advantages of Custom PCB Designs
Advantage | Description |
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Optimized Performance | Custom PCBs are designed to meet the exact requirements of the rocket, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. |
Reduced Weight | By designing PCBs in-house, the team can minimize the size and weight of electronic components, which is critical for rocket efficiency. |
Enhanced Flexibility | Custom designs allow for greater flexibility in integrating various sensors, actuators, and communication modules. |
Cost-Effective | Developing PCBs in-house can be more cost-effective than purchasing off-the-shelf solutions, especially for specialized applications. |

The Oronos Polytechnique Approach to PCB Design
The Oronos Polytechnique team follows a rigorous and iterative process when designing PCBs for their rocket projects. This approach ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance.
The PCB Design Process
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Requirements Gathering: The team begins by defining the specific requirements for each PCB, considering factors such as functionality, size, weight, and environmental constraints.
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Schematic Design: Engineers create a detailed schematic of the PCB, specifying the components, their connections, and the overall circuit layout.
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PCB Layout: Using specialized software, the team designs the physical layout of the PCB, ensuring optimal component placement, signal integrity, and manufacturability.
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Simulation and Testing: Before manufacturing, the PCB design undergoes rigorous simulations and tests to verify its functionality and performance under various conditions.
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Prototyping and Validation: Once the design is finalized, the team manufactures prototype PCBs and conducts real-world tests to validate their performance and make any necessary adjustments.
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Manufacturing and Integration: After successful validation, the PCBs are manufactured in larger quantities and integrated into the rocket’s electronic systems.

Notable Achievements and Milestones
Oronos Polytechnique has achieved several notable milestones since its inception, showcasing the team’s expertise in rocket design and PCB development.
Successful Launches and Competitions
Year | Achievement |
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2018 | Participated in the EuRoC (European Rocketry Challenge), reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters |
2019 | Secured 2nd place in the IREC (Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition) with a rocket reaching an altitude of 10,000 meters |
2020 | Launched a two-stage rocket, demonstrating advanced propulsion and staging capabilities |
2021 | Won the Best Design Award at the Spaceport America Cup for their innovative rocket design and PCB integration |
Industry Collaborations and Partnerships
Oronos Polytechnique has established strong partnerships with several leading aerospace companies and research institutions. These collaborations provide the team with access to cutting-edge technologies, expertise, and resources, further enhancing their ability to develop state-of-the-art rockets and PCBs.
Partner | Collaboration |
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Ariane Group | Joint research on advanced propulsion systems and PCB designs for small satellites |
CNES (French Space Agency) | Technical support and access to testing facilities for rocket launches |
Thales Alenia Space | Collaboration on the development of miniaturized PCBs for CubeSat applications |
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Oronos Polytechnique has set ambitious goals to further push the boundaries of student rocketry and PCB design.
Reaching New Heights
The team aims to design and launch a rocket capable of reaching an altitude of 20,000 meters, showcasing their mastery of advanced propulsion, guidance, and control systems. This feat will require the development of even more sophisticated PCBs, capable of withstanding extreme conditions and ensuring reliable performance.
Expanding into CubeSat Development
Recognizing the growing importance of small satellites in space exploration and research, Oronos Polytechnique plans to expand its focus to include the development of CubeSats. By leveraging their expertise in PCB design and miniaturization, the team hopes to contribute to the advancement of low-cost, high-performance satellite technology.
Fostering International Collaboration
Oronos Polytechnique is actively seeking to establish partnerships with other student rocket teams and aerospace organizations around the world. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, the team hopes to accelerate innovation in the field of rocketry and PCB design, while also promoting international cooperation and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is Oronos Polytechnique?
Oronos Polytechnique is a student-led rocket team based at the École Polytechnique in France, dedicated to designing, building, and launching high-performance rockets while providing hands-on experience for students interested in aerospace engineering. -
Why are PCB designs important in rocket development?
PCB designs are crucial in rocket development because they control various systems within the rocket, such as propulsion, guidance, navigation, and telemetry. Custom PCB designs allow for optimized performance, reduced weight, enhanced flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. -
What is the PCB design process followed by Oronos Polytechnique?
The PCB design process followed by Oronos Polytechnique includes requirements gathering, schematic design, PCB layout, simulation and testing, prototyping and validation, and finally, manufacturing and integration. -
What are some of the notable achievements of Oronos Polytechnique?
Oronos Polytechnique has participated in various international competitions, securing top positions and awards. They have successfully launched rockets reaching altitudes of up to 10,000 meters and have demonstrated advanced propulsion and staging capabilities. -
What are the future plans and aspirations of Oronos Polytechnique?
Oronos Polytechnique aims to design and launch a rocket capable of reaching an altitude of 20,000 meters, expand into CubeSat development, and foster international collaboration with other student rocket teams and aerospace organizations.
Conclusion
Oronos Polytechnique is a shining example of how passionate and dedicated students can make significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering. Through their innovative rocket designs, custom PCB developments, and successful launches, the team has demonstrated the immense potential of student-led initiatives in pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
As Oronos Polytechnique continues to reach for the stars, their commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and space enthusiasts around the world. With their ambitious future plans and unwavering determination, there is no doubt that this remarkable team will continue to make waves in the aerospace industry for years to come.
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