Théo Sans

Personal projects

Rather than talk about it, I build.

Projects carried out alone, outside classes and assignments: a model rocket, its launch pad and its launch controller, from 3D modelling to lift-off.

Trinity programme, since 2025

Trinity 1, second generation

The first version was too narrow: on the way down, the parachutes could not deploy. The second generation widens the tube, keeps the motor and the model, and lifts off at 94 grams.

Lift-off at Leucate, five seconds from ignition to leaving the rail.

Specifications

Lift-off mass
94 g
Height
about 31 cm
Inner diameter
26 mm
Motor
Klima C6-3
Thrust-to-weight ratio
about 10 to 1
Design
Fusion 360
3D printing
Bambu Lab P1S
Controller
ESP32, 4×4 keypad, 16×2 LCD, MOSFET
Launch site
Leucate

Logbook

On the launch pad

The launch pad is 3D printed too: three legs, a blast deflector and the guide rod.

Trinity 1, second generation, on its launch pad at Leucate
Second generation, ready to go
The first generation of Trinity 1 on its launch pad, in the garden
First generation, too narrow to release its parachutes

The launch controller

A controller programmed in C++ on an ESP32: arming code on the keypad, countdown on the screen, ignition isolated by a MOSFET and an audible alert. Everything is hand-soldered on perfboard.

Soldering the launch controller: perfboard, ESP32, LCD screen and keypad on the work mat
Soldering the controller, ESP32 and 4×4 keypad

The model

Body tube, fins and motor mount drawn in Fusion 360, then printed on a Bambu Lab P1S. The same base serves both generations.

3D model of Trinity in Fusion 360
Trinity in Fusion 360

What comes next

  1. Trinity 1 Launched

    Two generations: the first too narrow, the second launched successfully. 94 g, Klima C6-3 motor.

  2. Trinity 2 In development

    About 130 g, D12 or E9 motors, onboard GPS and accelerometer to follow the trajectory live.

  3. Trinity 3 Planned

    Thrust vector control: the motor gimbals to keep the rocket straight in flight.