PIPE 2
With PIPE 2, the further development of our first prototype, PIPE, was launched. This launch, which took place near Darmstadt, enables us to conduct student rocket launches within Hessen on a long-term basis. The launch was organized in cooperation with TUDSaT e.V. .
As previously mentioned, PIPE 2 was a certification flight for a launch site in Hessen and offers us a logistically significantly simplified launch. However, due to the proximity to Frankfurt Airport, the altitude was limited to just under 400 meters.
The rocket’s design, with a diameter of 10.5 cm and a length of 1.7 m, bears a strong resemblance to PIPE and builds on its findings. The entire internal structure has been redesigned from the ground up and is assembled as a single large segment within the rocket body. While it utilizes the same internal rings as PIPE, significant improvements have been made to areas such as cable management and integration.
PIPE 2 also uses the same motor as PIPE and features a small payload bay designed to accommodate a CanSat. Thanks to this approach, we were able to develop a significantly improved version of PIPE at a low cost, and we hope to launch it soon.
The first launch attempt in december 2025 had to be aborted due to heavy fog, even tho from a technical point, the rocket was ready. On the second attempt in april 2026, we were able to launch. It however only was a partial success, due to a component of our multi-stage recovery system malfunctioning. Even tho it was a hard landing, the rocket suffered minimal damage.
Current Project ARCHER
The overarching goal of our ARCHER series rockets (Aerial Rocket for Competitions and High-altitude Experimental Rocketry) is to participate in the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) with a two-stage high-altitude research rocket. For these rockets, we will initially continue to use solid-fuel motors for propulsion, as the focus is on developing the decoupler concept and scaling up the remaining systems, and igniting the second stage during flight is thus simplified.
Since the leap from our previous PIPE rockets to the ARCHER series is still a huge one for us, development is proceeding in stages.
ARCHER Mk. I
ARCHER MK2 is the rocket we plan to launch at EuRoC in 2027 in the category up to 9,000 meters. For now it is the goal of the ARCHER series. It is a fully two-stage rocket, with two independently operating stages, each of which lands gently using a two-stage parachute system.
Both stages are controlled by a completely overhauled onboard computer and collect flight data via numerous sensors. Communication with the rocket takes place throughout the entire flight via the in-house developed telemetry unit and ground station. The onboard computers also communicate with each other to ensure that stage separation and engine reignition proceed smoothly.
At 5.5 meters long, the ARCHER MK2 far exceeds the dimensions of previous PIPE rockets and is subjected to significant aerodynamic forces. The structure scales accordingly to a diameter of 20 cm. For the ARCHER rockets, we rely on a segmented design in which each functional group is housed in its own segment. This approach offers many advantages.
First, this allows the CF body sections to be manufactured on our own winding machine; second, thanks to the modular design, the various work groups can develop their segments largely independently of one another, with the basic structure and cable routing specified centrally; and finally, this significantly simplifies the transport of the rocket.
The two rocket stages are separated from one another by the pneumatic decoupler, allowing the second stage to continue ascending once its engine reignites. Numerous safety features prevent the stages from separating prematurely or the second stage from igniting too early. Both scenarios would result in mission failure. The decoupler is therefore of paramount importance to the mission’s success.
The individual functions of the subsystems are explained in more detail in the “About” section.
ARCHER Mk. II
ARCHER MK1 is the current development stage and is intended to demonstrate the basic functionality of the entire system. The key difference from ARCHER MK2 is that the rocket is initially single-stage. In this version, participation in EuRoC 2026 is planned at an altitude of 3,000 meters, and the crucial decoupling system is also scheduled to be tested. However, it is not two stages that separate, but only the engine segment from the rest of the structure. A retention system consisting of wire ropes and linear guides keeps both connected until landing. This allows the functionality to be demonstrated in flight without actually separating the stages.
Otherwise, the ARCHER MK1 features the same flight systems as the MK2 and can be converted into the upper stage of its successor with minor modifications. This intermediate step allows us to realistically implement this ambitious project by reducing costs and complexity while continuing to work on innovative concepts.