The ÆSIR student organization at KTH has gained significant attention for its innovative approach to rocketry. Recently, they made history as the first Swedish team to compete in a European rocket launch competition, achieving a remarkable height of 3,384 meters with their self-designed rocket, Signý.
Sven Grahn, a senior space researcher and KTH alumnus from 1969, reflects on the remarkable journey of rocketry at the university. Having witnessed the launch of Sputnik-1 during his childhood, he now observes KTH students tackling real-world technical challenges through their own rocket-building initiatives.
Members of ÆSIR are driven by aspirations to enter fields such as the space industry, engineering, and defense. Amanda Bergström, a computer science student and active member of ÆSIR, highlights the organization’s pivotal role in equipping students with a competitive edge in these industries. The group comprises individuals from various educational disciplines, including engineering physics, aerospace, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
Established in 2016, ÆSIR has successfully launched three rockets, with Signý's recent accomplishment marking a significant milestone in their journey. Their participation in the European Rocketry Challenge 2023 (EuRoC) in the Solid COTS 3 km category showcases their advancing expertise and commitment to rocketry.
Thrill of Rocket Launches
Amanda Bergström describes the excitement surrounding rocket launches as one of the most exhilarating aspects of ÆSIR's history. The culmination of their hard work in designing, manufacturing, and preparing rockets is rewarded when they perform successfully. These experiences not only provide an adrenaline rush but also serve as practical applications of their theoretical studies.
Looking to the future, ÆSIR is exploring the development of Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL) rockets, akin to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This ambitious project will involve creating active control systems, such as air brakes for their new Freyja rocket, presenting a fresh set of challenges for the team.
Embracing Future Opportunities
The renewed interest in space exploration, exemplified by private companies like Intuitive Machines successfully landing on the moon, highlights the necessity for continued investment in space research and technology. Members of ÆSIR advocate for Sweden to maintain its support for innovation in this vital sector.
Amanda Bergström envisions providing engineering students with early hands-on experience, preparing them to become the next generation of exceptional engineers. The promising future of ÆSIR is further strengthened by KTH's legacy of nurturing dedicated and skilled students in engineering, mathematics, and physics.
About ÆSIR
ÆSIR, the Association for Engineering Students in Rocketry, was founded in 2016 at KTH. Competing in rocket launch events demands meticulous planning and high aspirations from its members. ÆSIR has participated in the European Rocketry Challenge 2023 and is gearing up for future competitions in 2024. Currently, the organization is developing three rockets: Freyja, Mjollnir, and Eitr.