My very first rocket project: from carbon fiber tubes to custom electronics, I led the design and launch of EPSIᒧᒪON at the CNES C’Space competition. Beyond the thrill of lift-off, this experience taught me resilience, hands-on engineering, and the power of turning passion into a real flight.
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In September 2022, freshly arrived at École des Mines de Saint-Étienne after two intense years of preparatory classes, I felt a strong need: to move beyond pure theory and bring my knowledge to life. Together with a friend who shared the same passion, I took on an ambitious challenge: to design, build, and launch an experimental mini-rocket as part of the C’Space competition, organized by CNES and Planète Sciences.
This project was far more than just a student exercise. It was my first opportunity to transform years of study into something tangible: cutting carbon tubes, soldering electronic components, folding parachutes—and above all, giving shape to my passion for space, aerospace, and astrophysics.
Our rocket, named EPSIᒧᒪON, was designed to measure the variation of atmospheric temperature up to around 700 meters altitude, in order to produce a thermal profile of the first kilometer of the troposphere. This demanding goal required a combination of instrumental precision, aerodynamic optimization, and robust mechanical design.
As project leader and responsible for the onboard electronics, I:
The project’s success relied on advanced optimization:
The project was rich in lessons—and in setbacks. During qualification, a short circuit caused by a misplaced screw damaged the electronics, leading to a fire in the rocket’s nose. Two days and nights of intense work were needed to repair, test, and restore EPSIᒧᒪON to flight readiness. This ordeal proved a real lesson in resilience, crisis management, and teamwork under pressure.
On July 19, 2023, at 4:57 p.m., EPSIᒧᒪON lifted off from the Toutatis launch pad. Results: an apogee of 650 meters, a nominal 91-second flight, flawless parachute deployment, and full recovery. Our sensors successfully collected and analyzed temperature data, confirming the reliability of the onboard electronics and setting a new altitude record in our category.
This project was a true revelation: I gained skills in mechanics, physics, embedded electronics, programming, and project management, while also learning to adopt a hands-on and innovative approach to real-world challenges. Above all, it reinforced my conviction that passion, curiosity, and perseverance are the strongest drivers to go further.
Download the full project report for in-depth technical documentation and detailed findings.
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