Structural department

The structural department is responsible for designing and manufacturing all the essential components of our rockets. This includes tubes, fins, nose cones, and the structural sections housing the motor and flight computer. Beyond fabrication, the team conducts extensive research and documentation to ensure the highest quality and performance of each component.

Most of the department’s work takes place in the composites lab, where members work with advanced materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, resins, and epoxy. They also utilize a range of manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, milling, drilling, sanding, and more. All work sessions are carefully planned in advance to maintain efficiency and precision.

Looking toward the future, the department is actively exploring the use of sustainable materials in rocket construction, contributing to AQUILO’s long-term commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Like every department, the structural department consists of a department head, members, and advisors. Their work is a balance of theoretical research and practical application, ensuring that each rocket is structurally optimized for performance.

Promod fernando

HEAD OF STRUCTURAL DEPARTMENT

Contact

E-mail: structuralaquilo@gmail.com

Phone: +31 6 27222138

Hi!

My name is Promod, and I am originally from Sri Lanka. As the new Head of the Structural Department, I oversee the team responsible for designing, analysing and fabricating all structural parts of the AQUILO rockets.
I am currently a second-year student in Aeronautical Engineering at Inholland University. My education provides a solid foundation in structural mechanics and aerodynamics, which I apply directly to my work with AQUILO.
AQUILO offers a rare insight for a second-year student into how true engineering work involves all production stages and collaboration to create a real product. It helped me see how classroom theory translates into practical engineering challenges.
As head of the Structural Department, my objective is to complete the manufacturing and testing of AQUILO IX, while also fostering a strong, collaborative team that can take on the challenges ahead and drive success in our upcoming mission, EuRoC.

DEPARTMENT MEMBERS

  • Image of Calin Andrei SAndu

    Calin Andrei SAndu

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2025

  • Conan Butler

    Structural Engineer
    Department Head 2023-24

  • Corina Coscodan

    Structural Engineer
    AQUILO IX Taskforce member
    Joined in 2023

  • Image of Erika Feteanu

    Erika Feteanu

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2025

  • Image of Joel Lear

    Joel Lear

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2025

  • Image of Sofia Herková

    Sofia Herková

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2025

  • Image of Kristian Georgiev

    Kristian Georgiev

    Advisor
    Team Manager 2023-24

  • Image of Antoni Koch

    Antoni Koch

    Advisor
    Department head 2024-25

  • Arturo Figuero Diaz

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2023

  • Mateusz Ring

    Structural Engineer
    AQUILO IX Taskforce member
    Joined in 2024

  • Rick Vervoort

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2022