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Cal Poly Space Systems
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C
a l i f o r n i a P o l y t e c h n i c S t
a t e U n i v e r s i t y |
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:: About CPSS ::
Who we are, What we do
Mission Statement
We at CPSS will fly a rocket to the edge of space and successfully recover it. We will achieve this with a close–knit, well–organized team of dedicated people who bring all kinds of expertise to the group.
Cal Poly Space Systems (CPSS) is a dynamic, out-of-this-world club based at California Polytechnic State University
in San Luis Obispo, California. Originally conceived as an aerospace engineering club, CPSS now welcomes students
and other volunteers from all majors, colleges, and backgrounds. As our projects grow more complex and sophisticated,
we continue to expand our pool of resources and expertises in order to design, create, launch, and recover the best amateur
rockets on the central coast. We readily embrace Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing,” philosophy, and offer hands-on training in all
areas of rocketry design including propulsion, structures, controls, electronics, and software.
Teams
CPSS is made up of many different teams that specialize in different aspects of rockets. Most members are involved in one team. But they can be active in more than one and can move or help other teams.
Structures
Ever wonder how rockets are made? How the shape of nose-cones can affect the entire rockets' aerodynamics? In CPSS, we have the answers. In CPSS, we are able to turn a soft fiberglass fabric and some plywood into a rocket that can reach mach speed. In Structures, we fabricate all of our rockets from scratch and make sure that the materials being used have enough structural integrity for their specific purpose. Formulating epoxy & micro balloons, shaping the rocket's body with fiberglass, finding its aerodynamic center, etc… are some of the many things you'll learn as part of the Structures team.
If you would like to 'learn by doing,' and a have burning desire to design and build your own unique rockets that are sure to raise eyebrows at first sight, CPSS is the perfect place for you.
Electronics
The electronics team is a small group of students who are interested in the important control and sensor systems that are essential for advanced spacecraft design. We work with the rest of the club to design and build electronics packages that integrate well with the rest of the rocket. We use skills that we have learned in building simple electronic systems to build more complex systems for future use. No experience is needed to become involved in this exciting team, only a desire to learn more about electronics.
Special Systems
The primary responsibility of the Special Systems group is to coordinate the Structures and Electronics teams, ensuring that both teams are aware of each other's requirements. Secondary responsibilities include supporting the Structures and Electronics teams if they need extra help and managing any side projects that don't fall under the headings of the other two teams. Most often, Special Systems is only one person, the lead, who will take volunteers from other groups if he or she needs help with a project.
Club Officers
Kelly Scroggs - President
Kelly Scroggs is a fourth year Senior Aerospace Engineering major. She has been having fun in CPSS since she was a Freshman, and has previously served as Structures Lead. She earned her Tripoli Level 1 & 2 certification with her rocket, StarDreamer. She likes long walks on the beach, candle-lit dinners for two, roses, and things that blow up.
"Livin' the Dream"
Zach Arena - Vice President
Zach Arena is a junior Aerospace Engineering major. He joined the club in the fall of his freshmen year in 2006, and quickly became an active core member of the club holding the position of Secretary for the 2007-2008 year. He enjoys watching movies, video games, going camping and hiking, and photography.
"Does sonar work in space?"
Jason Carpenter - Secretary
Jason Carpenter is a fourth year Aerospace engineering major in his second year at Cal Poly. Since middle school, Jason has had an interest in rockets and space flight. He found CPSS during his first quarter at Cal Poly and has since attained Level 1 certification with his yet unnamed rocket. This year he will be working on his level 2 cert rocket. He enjoys video games, movies and watching rockets explode (as well as the ones that don’t).
“The Earth is the cradle of mankind, but one cannot remain in the cradle forever.” ~ Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935)
Matt O’Connor - Treasurer
Matt O’Connor is a fifth year aerospace engineering major that has been in the club for one year. Having worked for a financial institution for three years in his time away from school, he ran for and won the position of Treasurer. At Dairy Aire 2008, he successfully attained Level 1 certification through Tripoli, flying Rocketstar. In the fall he will be pursuing his Level 2 certification, along with his general interests for things that fly, go fast, explode, or any combination thereof.
“This had better work.”
Megan Jeffrey - Public Relations
Megan Jeffrey is a senior journalism major and Public Relations officer for CPSS. After being a curious observer of the club since 2007, she decided to offer her services to promote the fantastic achievements of CPSS’ members. She enjoys music, theatre, and really loves it when the two are combined with pyrotechnics.
“What goes up, must come down… preferably not on top of my head.”
Viet Nguyen - Structures Lead
Viet Nguyen, structures lead for CPSS, is a sophomore majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Although Vietnamese, he was born and raised in the Philippines for 16 years. He took interest in rockets after making one as his senior project in high school and joined CPSS his freshmen year. He's currently holding a Tripoli Level 1 Certification, but still plans on getting his Level 2 certification this year.
"Knives—check. Rockets—check. Ready to kill…"
John Cape - Electronics Lead
John Cape is a 4th year Electrical Engineering major. He is head of the electronics group. He has had experience building robots and radio systems. He has been a member of CPSS since his freshman year.
“Gravity is a habit that is hard to shake off.” ~ Terry Pratchett
Fran Lettang - Special Systems Lead
Fran Lettang is a fourth year Aerospace Engineering major at Cal Poly and the current Special Systems lead in CPSS. This is her fourth year as a member of CPSS and her second as Special Systems lead.
“One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.” ~ G. Weilacher
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