Starchaser fast forwards space race designs on PTC technologies

Starchaser Industries uses Pro/Engineer and Mechanica in all areas of its R&D for rockets, rocket engines and the commercialisation of products for the emerging micro-satellite and space tourism markets. It’s also using the software for developing the new Storm bi-liquid rocket engine. “Without the use of PTC software we would have found it virtually impossible to remain competitive,” says Steve Bennett, managing director f Starchaser Industries. “Pro/Engineer helped us to drastically reduce costs as well as saving us precious development time. Our designers can quickly transfer the brainstorming ideas into product design followed by simulation and analysis – and it all takes place within the same environment.” Starchaser is applying what amounts to a fast-forwarded step-by-step approach to allow progress based on experience. One example is Storm, which is soon to be tested. The rocket engine is powered by the same liquid oxygen/kerosene propellant that took Apollo to the moon. Pro/Engineer means the development team can address the design challenges very quickly, with structural and thermal simulation enabling understanding and performance improvement without prototyping. Bennett says that by gaining early product insights Starchaser can pursue a higher number of design options in a shorter period of time while spending less money.