Project Phoenix, or the Rocket Powered Lander Project (RPL), is developing a lander system capable of navigating both space and terrestrial environments for use in a variety of mission operations. In mythology, a Phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. Similarly, the components and flight software of our lander shall be reused to address the requirements of many different mission operations. Our ultimate goal is to put a lander system made by students at Cal Poly Pomona on the surface of the moon.
Project Phoenix
Concept CAD
MEET THE TEAM
The Phases
The project will be divided into several phases to address the multiple different engineering challenges that accompanies a project of this nature. At present, the mission operation of each phase is as follows:
Phase I: Terrestrial low-altitude flight to 10ft apogee to prove dynamic flight
software.
Phase II: Terrestrial high-altitude multi-stage flight to a 5000ft apogee to
prove adaptive control capabilities and to simulate an atmosphere entry
environment.
Phase III: Terrestrial low-altitude flight to 100ft apogee, with 1000ft
translation to desired landing location to prove our landers navigation
system.
Phase IV: Landing on lunar surface from a 100km lunar orbit, or terrestrial
landing with additional engines to simulate lunar gravity.