Rollon Skyward Rocketry Partnership

Rollon Extends Partnership with Skyward Rocketry Team for Fourth Consecutive Year

Linear motion technology powers Orion rocket’s critical aerobrake system in European competition

Sustained Educational Collaboration

Rollon continues its four-year partnership with Skyward Experimental Rocketry for the 2025 season. The Politecnico di Milano student association receives ongoing technical support and motion solutions. This collaboration demonstrates Rollon’s commitment to aerospace education and innovation. The partnership culminates in the European Rocketry Challenge competition in Portugal.

Advanced Rocketry Technology

The Orion rocket represents Skyward’s latest hybrid propulsion achievement. The vehicle combines liquid nitrous oxide with solid paraffin wax fuel. Rollon linear guides enable precise aerobrake operation during flight. These components withstand extreme conditions including speeds reaching 1000 km/h. Each guide supports approximately 20 kg loads during deployment sequences.

Ground Testing Support Systems

Rollon’s involvement extends beyond the rocket’s flight systems. The company provides linear guides for ground-based testing equipment. Compact Rail Plus guides ensure accurate tank mass measurements. This precision testing delivers repeatable results essential for mission success. The equipment supports ongoing development and validation processes.

Proven Track Record

Skyward’s Structures Department Head Michele Dicorato acknowledges the partnership value. “We are happy to count on Rollon’s products and experience this year,” he stated. “The ongoing collaboration has allowed us to achieve important results and implement significant improvements.”

Evolutionary Partnership History

The Rollon-Skyward collaboration began with the 2022 Pyxis rocket launch. Subsequent projects included the 2023 Gemini, which earned the Technical Award. Last year’s Lyra rocket secured another competition victory. This year’s Orion continues the successful partnership tradition at the European Rocketry Challenge.

Industry-Academia Knowledge Exchange

Rollon Business Development Manager Alberto De Giorgi emphasizes the strategic importance. “Aerospace represents a key market for Rollon,” he explained. “We collaborate with associations like Skyward to support young talents and bridge universities with manufacturing industries.”

Competition Preparation and Timeline

The Skyward team completed initial testing in Roccaraso, Italy. The European Rocketry Challenge occurs October 9-15 in Constância, Portugal. Orion aims to continue the success of previous Skyward rocket designs. The competition evaluates altitude precision and recovery capability.

Application Scenario: Aerospace Engineering Education

Mechanical engineering students designing a rocket recovery system need reliable linear motion components. Using Rollon’s linear guides, they create an aerobrake mechanism that deploys at specific altitudes to control descent. The system’s reliability during testing gives them confidence for the competition, while the industry partnership provides real-world engineering experience beyond classroom learning.

About the Organizations

Rollon specializes in linear motion systems as part of The Timken Company. The company serves industrial automation, aerospace, and medical equipment sectors worldwide. Skyward Experimental Rocketry represents Politecnico di Milano with over 100 multidisciplinary student members. The European Rocketry Challenge, organized by the Portuguese space agency, hosts student teams from across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long has Rollon collaborated with Skyward?
The partnership spans four consecutive years, beginning with the 2022 Pyxis rocket project.

What role do Rollon components play in the Orion rocket?
Linear guides enable precise aerobrake operation, regulating rocket speed during flight to achieve target altitudes.

What are the technical specifications of the linear guides?
The guides withstand speeds up to 1000 km/h and support approximately 20 kg loads per guide.

Where does the European Rocketry Challenge take place?
The 2025 competition occurs in Constância, Portugal from October 9-15.

What type of rocket propulsion does Orion use?
The rocket employs hybrid propulsion combining liquid nitrous oxide with solid paraffin wax fuel.