Engineering
Every system, engineered
We begin with the flight computer: the system that guides a reusable vehicle to its trajectory and brings it back to land.
Illustrative footage
Phase 1 · Our first engineering focus
The flight computer is the brain of a reusable vehicle.
Unlike expendable rockets, reusable vehicles must not only reach their intended trajectory — they must also return safely and land with minimal human intervention. That responsibility sits with the flight computer.
Sensor data in
- Inertial sensors
- GPS
- Pressure sensors
Flight computer
FC
NAV
Navigation
GDN
Guidance
CTL
Control
SEQ
Flight-event sequencing
TLM
Health monitoring & telemetry
Commands out
- Rocket engine
- Stabilizers
- Gas thrusters
Telemetry
System data is recorded and transmitted, then used to assess whether the vehicle is ready for its next flight.
- 01NAV
Navigation
Estimates the vehicle's position, velocity and attitude by combining data from inertial, GPS and pressure sensors.
- 02GDN
Guidance
Calculates the trajectory for ascent and for the return to the landing site, and updates it during flight.
- 03CTL
Control
Translates the trajectory into commands for the rocket engine, stabilizers and gas thrusters.
- 04SEQ
Sequencing
Executes flight events — including engine start, engine cut-off and landing — in the required order and at the required time.
- 05TLM
Health monitoring and telemetry
Records and transmits system data, which we use to assess whether the vehicle is ready for its next flight.
For these reasons, the flight computer is the first system we are developing.
Technical capabilities
The disciplines a launch vehicle needs, in one team.
- Software
- Flight software, navigation, guidance and control algorithms, and simulation.
- Electrical
- Power distribution, wiring harnesses and ground-support electrical systems.
- Electronics
- Flight computer hardware, sensor integration and telemetry links.
- Hardware and propulsion
- Structures, nozzle fabrication, liquid engine development and test infrastructure.
- Business
- Strategy, partnerships, funding and operations.