Skyward Experimental Rocketry and Mascherpa to Space

The collaboration between Mascherpa and Skyward Experimental Rocketry was born from the meeting of two entities that share a desire to push the boundaries of technological innovation.

On the one hand, a company with long experience in the distribution of high-performance materials for the most advanced sectors of industry; on the other hand, astudent association of the Milan Polytechnic University which has been dedicated to the design and manufacture of experimental rocket probes for more than a decade, bringing to bear engineering expertise, team spirit and passion for the aerospace sector.

Mascherpa has chosen to support Skyward Experimental Rocketry by providing technical materials and expert advice for mechanical, electronic, and structural components of the rocket, with the common goal of optimizing design, increasing reliability, and supportinginnovation in a highly formative and competitive environment.

Propulsion systems: lubricants for valves and wear components

The latest engine developed by Skyward’s research and development team is a liquid propellant engine (Nitrous Oxide and Ethanol). One of the goals of this project is to ensure maximum reliability during ignition. Mascherpa supplied high-performance Molykote lubricants, including an anti-friction varnish and MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease capable of resisting the passage of solvent fluids, such as Ethanol. During cold flow tests the static fire tests, the grease maintained its properties for more than six cycles

Electronics: protection of boards by conformal coating

Another critical area in rocket-probe design is the protection of the electronics. The boards installed inside the sounding rocket are subject to large temperature variations, vibration, and, in some stages,exposure to moisture or residues from propulsive fluids.

Mascherpa supported the Skyward Experimental Rocketry team in the selection and testing of different conformal coating, protective paints for printed circuit boards and sealant adhesives useful in ensuring:

• Moisture resistance.
• Resistance to high temperatures.
• Protection from contaminants.
• Inspectability and possibility of selective removal.

Among the products that Mascherpa made available to Skyward Experimental Rocketry and that were then evaluated are:

• Electrolube AFA, acrylic paint free of aromatic solvents, applied by spray.
• Electrolube CCRG, a solution with controlled curing capability and chemical stripper availability for localized removal.
• DOWSIL 744, a one-component, pasty, flexible silicone sealant resistant to severe temperature changes.

These solutions were tested on electronic boards developed in-house by the team, with the goal of introducing for the first time a complete protection cycle within Skyward Experimental Rocketry production.

Composite materials: lamination, release, and waste reduction

The Skyward-designed rocket features a structure made of composite material, specifically carbon fiber laminated onto internal molds produced by 3D printing. The geometric complexity of the design requires solutions that facilitate release operations, improve surface finish and reduce the number of components needed.

Starting from these specifications, Mascherpa’s team provided:

• PTFE release film (release film), used to facilitate theremoval of the laminate from the mold and maintain the aesthetic and functional quality of the part.
• Diasil 45 reusable vacuum bag, used for vacuum lay-up and subsequent firing of composite. This zippered bag allows for numerous cycles of use, greatly reducing material waste, especially during testing phases.

The lamination of components, including fins, feed bays, and fincans, also involves the use of selected accessories such as the peel ply Diatex 1500, which facilitatesadhesion between layers and improves control of the lay-up process.

Structural adhesives: bonding composites and metals

Inside the sounding rocket are joints between composite parts and aluminum inserts. At these points, joining can be achieved by mechanical bonding or structural bonding.

Mascherpa supplied Araldite® AW 4858 + HW 4858, a two-component epoxy adhesive system with high mechanical performance, ideal for:

• Withstand high outdoor temperatures.
• Ensure mechanical integrity even under dynamic loads.
• Maintain structural lightness, avoiding excess mass due to over-application of the product.

This solution has been used particularly in bonding inside the launcher, where it is critical to ensure accuracy and tightness over time.

An educational project

Skyward Experimental Rocketry has been participating in theEUROC (European Rocketry Challenge), an international competition that brings together universities and research teams from all over Europe, for four years.

EUROC represents not only a technical test bed for Skyward, but also a time for discussion, networking and professional growth.

Mascherpa, as a technical partner, accompanied the team at this stage with new materials for the production of the tanks by filament winding, as well as support for the selection of coatings for electronics in critical environments.

Discover all Next Mascherpa collaborations

The collaboration between Mascherpa and Skyward Experimental Rocketry is a concrete example of howindustry can support the academic research world not only through the supply of materials, but also through technical discussion based on experience, listening and shared goals.

For Mascherpa, it is an opportunity to validate its products in real-world, high-tech applications; for Skyward, it is essential support in developing reliable and advanced solutions in line with the challenges of next-generation aerospace.

This partnership is part of the larger project NEXT Mascherpa, the initiative dedicated to supporting emerging companies, research centers and young designers with vision and technical ambition. NEXT is Mascherpa’s way of investing in the future of innovation, sharing knowledge, experience and materials with those building the technologies of tomorrow.