Thomson, the Regal Rexnord linear motion solutions brand, is supplying precision actuation technology for Elara Aerospace’s liquid-fuelled Methalox rocket, as the academically led German initiative develops a reusable launch vehicle intended to reach the edge of space.
Founded at the Technical University of Munich, Elara Aerospace is seeking to become the first student group worldwide to develop a fully reusable liquid-propelled rocket capable of exceeding 100 km in altitude. The vehicle is also being designed with space for up to 100 kg of scientific experiments, extending the project beyond a conventional student demonstration flight.
The motion package combines two Thomson PC Series precision linear actuators with Kollmorgen AKM13D servo motors, dual-axis drive systems, and Boston Gear Micron NemaTRUE planetary gearheads. Within the rocket, the actuators will support engine gimbaling, moving the engine through a narrow ±5 degree operating range to assist flight control.
Although the movement range is small, thrust vector control places demanding requirements on repeatability, verification, and mechanical integration. A gimbaled engine must respond predictably to commanded inputs while fitting within a tightly constrained propulsion assembly, where excess complexity quickly becomes a design and validation burden.
“Rocket control applications leave very little room for uncertainty. Every commanded movement must be predictable, measurable and easy to verify,” said Anders Karlsson, Business Development Manager for Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division. “For us, the value of this partnership is not only in supplying components but in helping Elara build confidence in the actuation approach before the system moves into flight use. Working closely with the team helped us ensure the motion package fits cleanly within the overall engine control architecture.”
Thomson supplied the actuators as individual components, giving Elara scope to refine the layout during system design and testing. The motion system is now being validated on development platforms before being integrated into the rocket’s engine control architecture.
“For an academically led team working on active engine control, it was important for us to use components that were not only technically capable but also practical to work with,” said Tom Luca Reinhardt, Founder and CEO of Elara Aerospace. “Thomson’s guidance gave us a clear path for the thrust vector control design without adding unnecessary complexity.”
Further technical information on the Thomson PC Series precision linear actuators is available from Thomson.
