Successful launch of a high-power rocket in the VEROX student project

Over the course of 2024 and 2025, the student space group STAR Dresden e. V. developed an experimental high-power rocket in close cooperation with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Modellraketen Deutschland e. V. and the Institute of Aerospace Engineering. The project, called VEROX (Verification Rocket Experiment), aimed to test and verify key components of the SR Dorado sounding rocket project under realistic flight conditions.

The tested systems included the self-developed flight computer and the parachute system of the SR Dorado rocket. The launch took place in mid-May at the 2025 Flight Days of Modellraketen Deutschland e. V. and represented an important milestone in the validation of the SR Dorado avionics.

© August Horn

Support and implementation
The project was made possible by the financial and organizational support of the TUD Dresden University of Technology's FOSTER funding. The Institute of Aerospace Engineering also provided support in organizational matters and the administration of funds. The subsequent construction of the rocket was carried out by members of STAR Dresden e. V. and was inspected by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Modellraketenbau e.V. The project received further support from the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology. This provided the students with winding machines and material to produce aerodynamic rocket structures.

Results and successes
The effort paid off: The rocket achieved an apogee of around 1600 meters, which verified the flight simulations made previously. The research platform now available to the Institute thus provided ideal conditions for testing SR Dorados avionics systems. During the flight, the flight computer was able to record data on position and flight events, such as the ignition of an ejection charge to eject the parachute. Onboard video recordings were also made, providing valuable insights into the launch and flight phase.
Impressions of the launch and return of the rocket as well as video footage from the onboard cameras can be viewed under the following links:

Launch and Return
Onboard camera 1
Onboard camera 2

Conclusion
With the successful launch of the VEROX rocket and the verification of the avionics and parachute system, the student space group STAR Dresden has achieved another important milestone in the SR-Dorado project. The project also highlights how practice-oriented education and interdisciplinary collaboration help prepare students in Germany for careers in the space industry.

© August Horn