In a groundbreaking step for the field of student rocketry in Sweden, the Association of Engineering Students in Rocketry, also known as ÆSIR, marked history with their participation in the European Rocketry Challenge 2023 (EuRoC). The competition is held in Portugal once a year and is a unique platform where student teams from various European universities gather to showcase and compete with their rockets, in pursuit of innovation, technological advancement and scientific research. ÆSIR, representing KTH Royal Institute of Technology is not only the first Swedish team to have participated in the challenge, but also successfully launched their rocket, Signý, and reached a new apogee record for the association with an impressive 3384 meters.

ÆSIR, founded in 2016, is a student driven association at KTH that currently has 45 members with students from various engineering programs. They have so far accomplished 3 successful rocket launches and have goals ahead to reach new altitude records and advance their rocket designs. 

ÆSIR participated in the 3000 m solid COTS solid motor category, a category that demanded not only engineering precision but also a strong understanding of rocketry fundamentals. The association is the first team to have incorporated an international collaboration at the competition. In which they collaborated with the German Student Rocketry team, TU Darmstadt Space Technology (TUDSaT), from the Technical University of Darmstadt. TUDSaT provided ÆSIR with a payload for the rocket. The payload consisted of a flight controller that collected flight data, which can be used for future developments. 

Their rocket Signý, carefully designed and built, held the promise of reaching new heights. They launched Signý on October 13th 2023, during launch the rocket went supersonic and reached a maximum velocity of 353 m/s. Signý’s recovery system functioned according to plan and the rocket was recovered safely in perfect condition. ÆSIR landed an impressive 2nd place in Flight Performance, and a 9th place in Overall scoring out of 19 participating teams. 

The significance of ÆSIR's achievement extends beyond the thrill of competition. It symbolizes an innovative breakthrough that encourages student-led initiatives in fields as complex as rocketry. By participating in EuRoC 2023, ÆSIR has not only showcased Sweden's potential in the aerospace industry but has also set a benchmark for future student projects in the country. Their participation in the European Rocketry Challenge 2023 has indeed marked a giant leap forward for student rocketry in Sweden and is an inspiration for aspiring engineers, scientists and innovators. ÆSIR is aiming to participate in EuRoC 2024, but this time in the 3000 hybrid motor category,  and hope to continue advancing their skills within rocketry and aerospace technology.

By: Amanda Bergström