INVICTUS

Invictus II, the second iteration of our program, marked our presence at EuRoC 2025. The objective of this vehicle is clear: to design and launch a high-performance hybrid propulsion rocket capable of dominating the 3,000-meter (3 km) category. Capitalizing on the experience of our first model, the Invictus II focused on the comprehensive optimization of all subsystems, from aerodynamics and propulsion to avionics and recovery, resulting in a more efficient and reliable vehicle. While we perfect the launch of the Invictus II, we have already begun development of our biggest challenge to date: the Invictus III, a hybrid rocket designed to compete in the demanding 9 km category. The Invictus II reflects our commitment to engineering excellence, iteration, and the drive to push the boundaries of student aerospace engineering in Portugal.

// Key Numbers

3,6m

Length

46kg

Total Mass

3200N

Max Thrust

// Our Teams

Department Work

Aerodynamics

The Aerodynamics department focuses on understanding and optimizing how the rocket behaves as it moves through the atmosphere. Through careful design and simulation, the team ensures stable, efficient, and predictable flight performance.

•Design of aerodynamic components (nose cone, fins, etc.)
•Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations
•Flight trajectory simulation using RocketPy
•Optimization of drag, stability, and aerodynamic efficiency
•Validation of aerodynamic behavior under flight conditions

Electronics & Software

The Electronics & Software department is responsible for the rocket's electronic and control systems. It ensures reliable operation, communication, and data collection throughout the mission, bridging software, hardware, and real-time information.

•Coding and maintenance of the rocket's onboard software
•Development and integration of custom electronic hardware
•Real-time data acquisition during all mission phases
•Transmission and visualization of telemetry data
•Post-flight data analysis and diagnostics

Ground

The Ground department develops the vehicle's complete hydraulic system, essential for ensuring stable and consistent inflation and flight. In addition to the flight hardware, the team also manages the ground support infrastructure, from test benches to inflation assistance systems.

•Design and development of the fuel filling station
•Implementation of the rocket's internal fluid and hydraulic circuits
•Design and manufacturing of the static test stand
•Development of the filling station's software and control systems
•Integration of hardware and safety systems for ground operations

Propulsion

The Propulsion department is responsible for developing the system that powers the rocket. From designing and testing the combustion chamber to optimizing fuel geometry, this team ensures the reliable and efficient generation of thrust.

•Design and manufacturing of the propulsion system (combustion chamber, nozzle, injector)
•Development of tools to estimate and analyze thrust, regression rate, and combustion efficiency
•Design and optimization of solid fuel grain geometry
•Selection and characterization of fuel and oxidizer combinations
•Static testing and performance validation of the propulsion system

Recovery & Payload

The Recovery & Payload department ensures that the rocket returns safely to the ground after flight. This department is also responsible for managing the rocket's payload, selecting appropriate experiments or equipment and ensuring proper integration within the vehicle.

•Design of the parachute ejection system
•Sizing of parachutes and recovery lines based on rocket mass and descent rate
•Manufacturing of custom parachutes and cords
•Material selection and testing to ensure mechanical strength and reliability
•Integration and testing of the recovery system under realistic conditions
•Selection and integration of the payload in the rocket.

Structures

The Structures department is in charge of the rocket's physical integrity. It focuses on designing and validating the mechanical framework that holds all systems together, ensuring the rocket can withstand the extreme conditions of launch, flight, and recovery.

•Design of the rocket's structural frame and outer shell
•Development of mechanical interfaces between systems
•Integration of structural components with other subsystems
•Structural simulations and stress analysis
•Validation of materials and geometries for flight loads

// Gallery

Project Media

Hot Fire TestThe First in Portugal

INVICTUS III

// Under Construction

Invictus III is under way and we will have more information to present in 2027...

INVICTUS

Porto Space Team

FEUP Universidade do Porto

Porto Space Team

FEUP Universidade do Porto

INVICTUS

// Key Numbers