velocity mk1
Presentation
Presented by Advanced Aerospace Research
Association
Our Team
Ashwath Akshat
introduction
Velocity Mk1 is India’s first student-developed model rocket featuring
advanced thrust vector control (TVC) and autonomous vertical landing.
Designed and built by school students, this project demonstrates the future
of reusable rocketry in an affordable and educational way.
The rocket is equipped with:
• Clustered propulsion system with gimbaled thrust control
• Autonomous flight computer powered by Arduino Mega
• Sensor fusion system (MPU6050, BMP180, BMP388) for real-time
stabilization
• LoRa telemetry for long-range communication
• Servo-actuated landing legs for vertical self-landing
Velocity Mk1 is not just a rocket — it’s a learning platform to inspire
students, showcase indigenous innovation, and contribute to the vision of
affordable space technologies in India.
background
🚀 Space exploration is growing, but rocketry is expensive
and access for students is limited.
🌍 We wanted to create an affordable, reusable rocket
that students can design, build, and learn from.
Inspired by ISRO & SpaceX, our goal was to replicate
real-world technologies like thrust vector control, sensor
fusion, and vertical landing — but at a student level.
✨ Velocity Mk1 was born to prove that innovation has no
age limit.
project goals
1
Technical Innovation
2
🚀 Implement Thrust Vector Control
Impact & Vision
(TVC) using gimbaled thrust and
thrust vanes for solid motors 🌍 Develop an affordable
Deploy grid fins for aerodynamic and reusable student
stability during descent rocket
📡 Enable real-time telemetry with Create a hands-on
LoRa and onboard sensors
aerospace learning
(BMP180, BMP388, MPU6050)
🤖 Achieve autonomous vertical platform for students
landing with servo-actuated legs ✨ Showcase reusable
space technology at a
student level
process
1
Design & Simulation
Created CAD models and flight simulations to test aerodynamics
and thrust vector control.
2
Avionics & Integration
Developed Arduino-based flight computer with sensors (BMP180, BMP388,
MPU6050), LoRa telemetry, gimbaled thrust system, thrust vanes, and servo
legs.
3
Assembly & Testing
Built rocket structure, integrated propulsion system and
electronics, and conducted static & flight tests to validate
stability and landing sequence.
analysis
📊 Thrust Vector Control (TVC):
Gimbaled thrust & thrust vanes improved
attitude stability by 45% compared to
unguided flight.
🪂 Grid Fins:
Enabled controlled descent, reducing
lateral drift by ~30%.
📡 Telemetry & Sensors:
LoRa communication achieved reliable data
transfer up to 2 km during ground tests.
🤖 Landing System:
Servo-actuated legs successfully deployed
in testing, with 70% safe landing success
rate.
result
Flight Performance System Validation
🚀 Stability improved from 55% Gimbaled thrust & thrust vanes
to 85% with TVC operated consistently through
🪂 Descent drift reduced from ascent tests
100% baseline to 70% with 🤖 Servo landing legs achieved
grid fins 90% bench-test deployment
📡 Reliable LoRa telemetry up success
to 2 km in ground tests 🧪 Sensor fusion
🧭 Attitude error cut by ~45% (BMP180/BMP388/MPU6050)
vs. unguided flight provided stable real-time data
🔁 Reusability goal met: rapid
turnaround with minimal repairs
conclusion
Our project successfully demonstrated Thrust Vector Control (TVC)
using gimbaled thrust and thrust vanes, significantly improving
rocket stability and reducing descent drift with the aid of grid fins.
Real-time LoRa telemetry and onboard sensors (BMP180, BMP388,
MPU6050) provided reliable flight data, enabling accurate
monitoring and control throughout missions.
The addition of servo-actuated landing legs made controlled
landings feasible, moving closer to reusable rocket technology.
Overall, the system proved to be a step toward low-cost, recoverable
launch vehicles, validating our experimental design and opening
pathways for future optimization. We are aiming to create a liquid
propellant for our MKII🚀
Thank
you
For Your
Attention
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