Lessons learnt during the REXUS program on how to manage a student project

Abstract

The paper discusses the lessons learnt during the SPEAR mission that takes part in the 12th cycle of the Rocket EXperiment for University Students (REXUS) sounding rocket programme. The mission originated after Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering (DARE) designed a supersonic-capable drogue parachute and was unable to test it supersonically on the existing platforms available to the team. Hence, an experiment was proposed containing an ejectable test vehicle to deploy the parachute in supersonic conditions. Throughout the 12th cycle of the REXUS program, the team has faced a number of challenges. Although during the project cycle the focus lied on resolving technical problems, in retrospect the logistical, social, and managerial challenges were just as relevant. Despite the fact that there is ample literature and knowledge available on methods to run commercial projects, it can be difficult to connect these practices to the workings of a student team. Therefore, this paper aims to collect and present the experience of the team on how to navigate challenges specifically related to student projects and their limited resources. Amongst which: ‘employment’ management (entry, performance and exit of team members), how to conduct internal and/or external technical reviews, assembly, integration and testing (AIT) efforts, planning and task management. As the team has gained these insights through trial and error, the mistakes made will be shared together with how this impacted the progress of the mission.