In an extraordinary display of innovation reminiscent of SpaceX’s groundbreaking achievements, two dedicated model rocket enthusiasts, Joe Barnard and Aryan Kapoor, have successfully recreated vertical landings on a much smaller scale. Despite lacking the extensive resources of a major aerospace company, Barnard and Kapoor have demonstrated that ingenuity and perseverance can achieve remarkable results in the world of model rocketry.
Joe Barnard: The Musician Turned Rocket Scientist
Joe Barnard, referred to as BPS in the model rocket community. Space, has invested seven years into perfecting his rocket designs. Though his professional background is in music production rather than aerospace engineering, Barnard’s passion for rocketry led him to develop custom components essential for his projects. Central to his success is a thrust vectoring mechanism, which uses servo motors to adjust the thrust of the rocket engine up to five degrees in any direction. This system, combined with sensors and custom software, ensures the rocket remains stable throughout its flight.
Barnard’s ingenuity extends further with his work on actively controlling the thrust of solid-fuel rocket engines. He is experimenting with adjustable ceramic paddles that can fine-tune the rocket’s thrust, aiming for precise and controlled landings. His achievements have earned him recognition and respect within the model rocket community, proving that technical expertise can be self-taught and developed through dedication.
Aryan Kapoor: A High School Prodigy
Meanwhile, Aryan Kapoor, a high school student operating under the handle JRD Propulsion, has also made significant strides in model rocketry. Kapoor’s journey began in August 2021, and after three years of rigorous development and numerous setbacks, he achieved a successful vertical landing on May 25. Unlike Barnard, Kapoor’s design is entirely original, showcasing his innovative approach to rocketry.
Kapoor’s rocket employs a unique setup with two solid-propellant motors: one for liftoff and another for descent and landing. His design eschews traditional stability fins, instead relying on a 3D-printed gimbal mount for thrust-vector control. This allows for precise adjustments during flight, ensuring stability and accuracy. The rocket’s custom-built onboard computer array, inertial measurement unit, and barometric altimeter work in tandem to manage the rocket’s ascent and descent. The altimeter signals the computer when to switch from the first to the second motor, and descent is meticulously controlled using ingeniously rigged legs with syringes and rubber bands acting as shock absorbers.
Kapoor’s rocket faced a significant challenge during its successful landing. An internal issue prevented the ejection of the first spent propellant stack, adding unexpected weight for the descent. Despite this complication, the rocket managed to stick the landing, bouncing slightly due to the additional weight. This meant the rocket technically landed twice: once during ascent and once during descent, underscoring the robustness and adaptability of Kapoor’s design.
Pioneering the Future of Model Rocketry
The achievements of Barnard and Kapoor demonstrate that model rocketry has the ability to be innovative and successful without requiring substantial financial resources. Their work encourages a new generation of rocketry enthusiasts to push the envelope of what is possible by emulating SpaceX’s pioneering spirit. These two space pioneers demonstrate that with focus, resourcefulness, and perseverance, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
In the world of model rocketry, Joe Barnard and Aryan Kapoor stand out as exemplars of what can be accomplished with passion and ingenuity. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of dedication and the endless possibilities that lie within the reach of determined individuals.
The accomplishments of Barnard and Kapoor demonstrate that model rocketry may be inventive and successful even in the absence of abundant resources. This reflects on the work done so far by SpaceX as it continues to motivate yet another generation of new proponents for the effort toward reaching the impossible. By demonstrating that high-level engineering feats can be achieved in garages and workshops, they inspire hobbyists and professionals alike to pursue their dreams, no matter the scale.
Their stories underscore a broader message: with focus, resourcefulness, and perseverance, everything is possible. The model rocketry community celebrates these successes, which ignite the imagination and fuel the ambition of future innovators. As technology continues to evolve, the boundaries of what can be achieved will only expand, driven by the relentless curiosity and determination of individuals like Barnard and Kapoor.
