Project VX-1

A precision sounding rocket engineered to achieve 3,500 meters altitude with advanced dual-deployment recovery systems and redundant avionics. Designed for atmospheric research, space science, and educational applications.

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Target Altitude
3.5 km
Above Ground Level
Peak Thrust
~500 N
Newtons
Max Velocity
240 m/s
Mach 0.7
Gross Liftoff Weight
5.2 kg
Total Mass

Technical Specifications

Complete vehicle specifications and design parameters

Vehicle Dimensions
Total Length 1.8 m
Fuselage Diameter 76 mm
Dry Weight 3.8 kg
Performance Envelope
Peak Thrust ~500 N
Max Velocity 240 m/s
Peak Acceleration ~50 m/s²
Propulsion System
Motor Type APCP
Motor Class J/K-Class
Burn Duration 2.5 s
Recovery System
Drogue Chute 24 inch
Main Chute 60 inch
Landing Speed ~5 m/s

Design & Engineering

Component Material Specification Purpose
Airframe Fiberglass/Phenolic 3 mm wall, 76 mm OD Structural integrity
Nosecone Fiberglass Composite Von Kármán profile Drag minimization
Fins G10 Fiberglass Through-the-wall mount Aerodynamic stability
Motor Retainer Aluminum 6061-T6 CNC machined Motor retention
Avionics Sled PETG/ABS 3D printed Electronics housing

Flight Phases

Mission timeline and phase analysis

Liftoff

Duration
0-1 second
Altitude Range
0 m
Velocity
0 → 15-20 m/s
Description

Motor ignition, rocket accelerates on launch rail, free flight begins at rail exit.

Market Analysis

Sounding rocket industry overview and growth projections

Global Sounding Rocket Market (2024-2035)
2024 Market Size: $799.2 Million
2035 Projection: $1.5 Billion
CAGR: 5.9% Annual Growth
Primary Segment: Atmospheric Research (38%)

Market Positioning

Vaelon Space targets the educational and emerging commercial segments through proven sounding rocket technology and strategic partnerships with research institutions and universities.

  • University partnerships for student rocket teams
  • Spaceport America Cup participation and sponsorships
  • Commercial payload hosting services
  • Research institution collaborations
  • Government contract opportunities

Risk Assessment

Identified risks and mitigation strategies

Motor CATO (Catastrophic Failure)
High Severity
Potential airframe destruction and mission failure

Mitigation: Use only certified APCP motors, conduct static fire test, verify motor certification documents, use retention system rated for 5x peak thrust.

Structural Failure (Airframe Rupture)
High Severity
Loss of vehicle and potential injury

Mitigation: Design with 2.0 caliber static margin, conduct FEA analysis, pressure test to 20 bar, through-the-wall fin mounting.

Parachute Failure
High Severity
Loss of vehicle if parachutes tear or entangle

Mitigation: Use high-quality ripstop nylon, inspect before each flight, proper packing technique, deployment bag, shock cords rated for 10+ g.

Early Parachute Deployment
Medium Severity
Rocket descends under drogue only, extended flight time

Mitigation: Dual redundant barometric altimeters, independent ejection circuits, altitude calibration, redundant power supplies.

Loss of Vehicle (Unrecoverable)
High Severity
Vehicle cannot be located and recovered

Mitigation: GPS tracking with real-time telemetry, RF beacon (900 MHz), high-visibility parachute, recovery team with GPS receiver.

Organization

Leadership and team structure

V

Viren Singh

Founder & CEO

Aerospace engineer and founder of Vaelon Space. Leads the design, engineering, and development of Project VX-1. Dedicated to advancing sounding rocket technology and establishing Vaelon Space as a leader in suborbital flight systems for research and education.

"Precision engineering. Reliable performance. Mission success."

Project Documentation

Access comprehensive technical reports and specifications