Recovery

At Volta, the Recovery team has the crucial task of ensuring the safe return of our rockets and their valuable payloads to Earth. We combine ingenuity, technical skill, and rigorous safety protocols to design, build, and test reliable and efficient recovery systems. We are the ones who make sure our rockets don't become shooting stars, bringing them back to fly another day.

What we do:

• Recovery planning: We define the sequence of events for a safe landing, from the deployment of the parachutes to the recovery of the rocket. This involves careful analysis of flight trajectories, wind conditions, and potential landing zones.

• Ejection system design: We develop mechanisms to separate the rocket from the motor and deploy the parachutes, using technologies such as CO2, black powder, or mechanical systems. We ensure that these systems are reliable and activate at precisely the right moment.

• Parachute design: We create parachutes of different shapes and sizes, selecting the most suitable materials to ensure their strength and stability. This involves understanding aerodynamic principles and fabric properties to design parachutes that provide a controlled and gentle descent.

• Integration structure design: We develop systems to integrate and deploy satellites or other payloads safely. We ensure that the payload is securely attached and protected during the flight and that it can be easily recovered after landing.

• Safety protocols: We establish rigorous procedures for ground testing, ensuring the safety of the team and the environment. Safety is our top priority, and we take every precaution to minimize risks during testing and launch operations.

• Parachute manufacturing: We use sewing techniques and specialized machines to manufacture lightweight, durable, and cost-effective parachutes. We carefully construct each parachute, ensuring high quality and attention to detail.

• Testing and analysis: We conduct thorough tests of the prototypes to evaluate their performance (inflation, stability, strength, and braking capacity). We analyze data from these tests to optimize the design and ensure that the recovery systems perform as expected.

• Instrumentation: We implement electronic systems to collect data during tests and analyze the performance of recovery systems. This helps us understand how the parachutes and ejection systems behave in real-world conditions and make improvements for future missions.

Skills you will acquire:

• CAD design: You will learn to use 2D and 3D design software to create drawings and models of parachutes and ejection systems.

• Aerodynamics: You will understand the basic principles of aerodynamics and their application in parachute design.

• Sewing and textile manufacturing: You will acquire skills in sewing techniques and the handling of sewing machines for parachute manufacturing.

• Mechanics: You will learn about ejection mechanisms and deployment systems.

• Electronics: You will acquire basic knowledge of electronics for instrumentation and data analysis.

• Data analysis: You will learn to interpret test data and perform performance analysis.

• Problem-solving: You will develop the ability to identify and solve problems related to the design and construction of recovery systems.

Software you will use:

• CAD design software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX siemens)

• Python, Matlab

Soft skills you will develop:

• Teamwork: You will collaborate closely with other team members to achieve the project objectives.

• Critical thinking: You will analyze the challenges of recovery and evaluate different possible solutions.

• Attention to detail: You will ensure that each component is manufactured with precision and meets the design requirements.

• Safety consciousness: You will develop a strong awareness of safety and apply rigorous protocols in all activities.

• Creativity: You will contribute innovative ideas to improve the efficiency and reliability of recovery systems.