Rogue Aerospace

Rogue Aerospace is the rocketry team at NYU that builds, tests, and launches a rocket to compete in the NASA USLI Student Launch competition. We are currently participating in the 2025 NASA USLI Student Launch competition. In the competition, student teams from all over the country compete based on criteria set by NASA, which changes every year. As a payload engineer, I'm responsible for designing the rocket's payload section, which contains the rocket's deliverables, whether satellites, astronauts, or cargo. Over the past year, I designed the payload's electronics bay, as well as 3D print and post-process parts for the 2024 competition season. 

Electronics Bay

For the 2025 USLI season, I was responsible for designing and manufacturing the electronics bay of the rocket's payload. The electronics bay is the platform that would house all of the electronics components, sensors, and batteries associated with the rocket's payload. I designed the electronics pay with several factors in mind including weight distribution, space efficiency, and durability. 

Other electronics bay designs were considered. First, I considered having the plates horizontally layered rather than vertically layered plates. This would allow for the landing legs to be extended near the nose cone section, as there would be open space near the center of the electronics bay. However, this could lead to an unbalanced weight distribution of the payload as certain electronic component weigh more than others. Thus, heavy components such as the battery might cause the rocket to sway to one side during launch when it is placed closer to one side than the other. 

Payload Assembly

I worked closely with other members of the payload team to complete the full CAD design of the payload. Assembling components various members on the team had worked on, it was crucial for me to properly manage the space within the payload and ensure all components are located where they are supposed to. 

Manufacturing and Testing

For the 2024 USLI season, I gained hands-on experience with building a rocket. I used tools such as the drill press and cordless drill, as well as handheld shop tools to assemble parts of the payload as well as the frame of the rocket. I also utilize the UltiMaker Cura 3D printer, the Fortus 3D printer, and the Tormach CNC machine to manufacture crucial parts of the rocket, including the nosecone, bulkhead, and STEMnaut plates. A test that we conducted on the rocket's payload was the vibrations test. The payload was attached to an electrodynamic shaker which vibrated the payload structures at varying frequencies. Afterward, the payload was inspected for damages, deformations, or detachments. I was responsible for observing the test and writing detailed documentations on the results of the test.