KON-TIKI
OUR GOAL
Launch and recover a reusable liquid-fueled rocket to an altitude of 3 km in Norway in 2024
ABOUT THE NAME KON-TIKI
KON-TIKI has its name from the Kon-tiki expedition made by Thor Heyerdahl. It represents our journey towards building a fully functional rocket with our limited resources. It emphasizes that even though we are students we are able to achieve incredible feats, like building and launching a rocket
THE ROCKET
Diameter 24 cm
Height 6 m
Thrust 5000 N
Propulsion system
Bi-propellant liquid-fueled
Propellants
Ethanol & Liquid Oxygen
Apogee
3 km
ABOUT THE PROJECT
KON-TIKI is the result of dedicated students who invest their time in a complex interdisciplinary project. We embrace hands-on experience at every stage of the process, and the liquid rocket is designed, built and tested in-house by students at the University of Oslo. This includes the development of all mechanical and electrical systems, and our team employs a diverse range of skills to build and test the entire rocket from scratch.
STATIC HOTFIRE TEST
ROCKET SYSTEMS
There are several major parts and systems needed to build and launch a full-scale rocket: propulsion system, structural system, electrical systems and ground systems.
Our members use their skills in software development, soldering, CAD, CAM, 3D-printing, CNC milling, crafting of composite materials, welding, turning and other power and machinery tools to build all systems in our own laboratory and workshop.
PROPULSION SYSTEM
A propulsion system is needed to propel the rocket through the air. KON-TIKI has a bi-propellant liquid-fueled engine. It produces 5000 N of thrust and runs on ethanol and liquid oxygen.
Feed system
The system that stores and controls the flow of propellants to the engine. It consists of tanks, feed lines, several valves and a pressurization system.
KON-TIKI has a pressure-fed system where nitrogen gas pressurizes the propellants.
Injector
It introduces the propellants into the combustion chamber, where they atomise and mix to produce efficient and stable combustion.
KON-TIKI’s injector uses a like-on-like doublet pattern and is manufactured in-house.
Combustion chamber
This is where the propellants are burned to produce the needed thrust.
KON-TIKI has a regeneratively cooled combustion chamber with a de Laval nozzle. It is welded and cone rolled in-house.
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STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
The structural system makes up the fins, the shell and frame of the rocket. It aims to provide stability, low aerodynamic drag and distribute the load from the generated forces. The recovery system allows the rocket to safely return to earth after reaching apogee.
Skeleton
The skeleton is the cylindrical inner body and provides support for the engine, parachutes and other components. It must withstand forces during launch, flight and recovery.
The KON-TIKI skeleton is made out of aluminum and is welded in-house.
Shell
The shell and cone act as a cover, and protects the rocket from the outer elements. It also aims to provide a low aerodynamic drag. We manufacture our own glass epoxy shell pieces and cone.
Fins
The fins ensure stability during flight and allow the rocket to maintain its orientation and flight trajectory. The KON-TIKI fins are self-crafted out of composite materials.
Recovery system
The recovery system’s purpose is to slow the rocket’s decent to a safe velocity for the rocket to land softly on the ground . KON-TIKI uses parachutes to ensure a successful recovery of the rocket.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KON-TIKI features both hardware and software that is built, tested and assembled by our students. The electrical system´s main purpose is command and control, acting as the brain and nerve system of the rocket.
Navigation
The navigation computer monitors the flight, relaying data to the recovery system for timely parachute deployment. It utilizes various sensors and a Kalman Filter to precisely track the rocket's position.
Recovery system
The Recovery system ensures safe retrieval of the rocket post-launch, featuring a redundant design with an independent Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) system to minimize risks.
Telemetry and radio
The radio is essential for the safe operation of our rocket, and allows mission control to issue in-flight commands from a distance using a dual-band radio transceiver at 433 MHz and 2.4 GHz. These specific bands are selected to comply with European and Norwegian laws.
Ignition system
The pyrotechnic system, modeled after the Soyuz, features a simple ignition setup within the combustion chamber, designed to be unobtrusive to the injection and piping systems, ensuring a stable ignition.
Engine control unit
The Engine Control Unit is crucial for managing the rocket engine's timing and sensor readings, consisting of a custom in-house PCB and source code.
GROUND SYSTEMS
The ground systems refer to the infrastructure and facilities on the ground that support the launch and operation of the rocket.
Launch pad
The launch pad provides a stable platform for liftoff and must withstand the generated forces during launch. It includes the necessary structure to support the vehicle and required infrastructure to load the rocket with propellants and pressurizing gas. The KON-TIKI launch pad is student-built and 16 meters high.
Weather station
Our weather station, using weather data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, facilitates quick assessment of launch eligibility based on current and forecasted conditions.
Mission control
Mission control manages the rocket from the ground through a graphical user interface, allowing operators to receive real-time updates and control the rocket's state.
