My first document

The EirSpace Newsletter

May 2024

Welcome

Hello everyone! We are thrilled to launch the inaugural edition of The EirSpace Newsletter. We aim to bring you the latest updates, insights, and inspiration from our team.

From exciting event recaps to team and sponsor news, this is the perfect place to stay up to date about all things EirSpace!

Team Updates

The Propulsion Department has been working on our bi-liquid rocket engine design. This involves calculations for thrust, fuel ratios and chamber pressure. They have been running simulations to optimise the design and have been creating CAD for the engine. They have also been working on the plumbing system which supplies fuel and oxidiser to the engine, including fuel tanks, regulators and injectors.

The Thrust Vector Control Department has been hard at work designing a test hopper. This is a scale version of a rocket frame with a drone propeller and working thrust vector control system to test our control algorithms and sensors. We will use it to demo how we will collect and transfer readings from the sensors to the motors to keep the future rocket upright.

The Ground Department has been busy making a mobile engine testing platform that will be capable of measuring the thrust generated by our thrusters. It allows us to remotely engage and disengage the thrusters while housing the propellants which are directly connected to the run tank. Measurements for thrust can be taken and sent wirelessly to a laptop which will be controlling the launch of our rockets.

The EuRoc Department are currently working on our entry for EuRoc 2024. At the moment they’re working on a bill of materials and a budget for the project. They are finalising designs and preparing to begin manufacturing. Keep an eye on our social media for manufacturing updates.

The Recovery Department are currently in the process of designing a two stage recovery system for the rocket, using springs to launch the nose cone off the rocket cleanly. The first parachute is a drogue chute, which will slow down the rocket slightly. Then at our specified height the main chute is released, bringing the rocket gently to the ground.

The Avionics Department has been focusing their efforts on developing a system for controlling the thrust of the rocket engineallowing us full control of the rocket’s behaviour during flight! They have also been working on telemetry systems which, when complete, will provide live information about how the rocket is performing during flight such as its general location, speed and altitude.

Events and Outreach

Recently we hosted a Diversity in STEM Mixer in collaboration with TCD Engineering Society, Formula Trinity, Udoma Subcommittee and TCD ESTEM Society. This was a fantastic opportunity for our members to meet others in the STEM field, share experiences, and foster meaningful connections. We look forward to hosting more events to continue our mission to champion diversity and inclusivity in the STEM community.

We were delighted to attend the TCD Spring Open Day on March 23rd where we spoke to prospective students and parents about what E d s el s

The EirSpace Outreach Programme is off to a flying start. This week our members visited the Trinity Walton Club to tell them all about EirSpace. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the secondary school students that are a part of this incredible initiative.

“Founded in 2014, Trinity Walton Club is a STEM club with a difference. We provide a unique learning hub for students who are passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.”

Dogpatch Labs is a startup hub with a mission to accelerate the development of Ireland’s startup ecosystem by providing a community in which members can grow, share knowledge and form connections.

Dogpatch Labs has generously given us a place to host our weekly team meetings in the historic CHQ Building in the heart of Dublin’s Digital Docklands.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued support. Keep an eye on their social media @dogpatchlabs and their website https://dogpatchlabs.com/ for more information and updates about their work.