Majed Chahwan has a clear vision as the new team manager of RISE: to strengthen the team organisation and build sustainable partnerships. In this interview, he shares his background, team ambitions, and RISE's mission for sustainable space exploration through innovative projects such as the Green Phoenix engine and Project Alpha.
From external affairs to team leadership
With his background in External Affairs at RISE and his dedication, Majed stood out. He explains: “I really enjoy this role! I love leading the team, keeping a close eye on our goals, and actively supporting problem-solving as they arise. It’s incredibly fun to be involved in everything from pitching new ideas to interviewing new team members and handling media features.”
Majed has a clear mission as a team leader: to organise the team optimally and foster a culture of dedication. “I want every team member to be fully committed to their role and goals. Additionally, I’m strongly focused on new partnerships and giving extra attention this year to external relations and communications. I believe there’s still a lot we can gain here,” he says.
Sustainability in space exploration
With a diverse group of over 40 students from VU, UT, and Saxion, RISE is a pioneer in sustainable space exploration. The team consists of students from more than 15 different nationalities, creating a creative and dynamic environment where innovation prevails. What is RISE's mission? To make space safer and more sustainable through impactful projects.
One of the projects Majed and his team are working on is Project Alpha, which integrates green fuels for energy-efficient space travel. Additionally, there’s Project Phoenix, an ambitious initiative focused on developing a flying hybrid rocket engine that contributes to sustainable space exploration. Majed explains: “With innovative technology and sustainable practices, we aim to play a significant role in space exploration. We plan various rocket launches and engine tests for 2025 and look forward to showcasing our progress to the world.”
A sustainable future
One of RISE’s groundbreaking initiatives is the development of the Green Phoenix rocket engine, which utilises biofuel made from beeswax. This is an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative to traditional rocket fuels, setting a new standard for sustainability in aerospace. “The use of beeswax reduces emissions and provides a cleaner alternative to conventional rocket engines,” says Majed.
In addition to the Green Phoenix, RISE is working on rockets that can be reused to limit waste in space and minimise resources for each launch. Furthermore, the Clean Space project is committed to removing space debris and raising awareness about the risks of space junk.
Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025
The upcoming year is filled with activities and events for RISE. The Phoenix Propulsion Program, which focuses on developing a flying hybrid rocket engine, will kick off in September 2024. Open days will follow at both VU and UT in November, and a full day of classes, workshops, and lectures is scheduled at VU in December.
Majed enthusiastically shares: “April 2025 will be an important milestone. During our major event, we’ll reveal the latest developments of Project Phoenix and invite the public and our partners to admire this progress. Additionally, we’re looking forward to the first rocket launch with Alpha’s flight computer in May and the first static test of the Phoenix engine in June 2025. Each of these steps brings us closer to our goals.”
The collaboration between the VU and the UT
The collaboration between the VU and the UT is essential for the success of RISE. While VU focuses on software development for rocket electronics, UT concentrates on propulsion and mechanics. This setup allows students to work on specialised tasks from their respective locations, and with regular meetings and shared resources, we keep projects moving smoothly. Majed states: “We want to attract more technical students from VU and are working on establishing a coworking space there to facilitate even smoother collaboration. This partnership with two universities helps us grow and broadens our possibilities.”
Students in action
At RISE, students have the opportunity to work on real rocket projects, applying their knowledge and skills in software, electronics, propulsion, mechanics and more. They can also take on non-technical roles, such as communications and external relations. Majed emphasises the importance of teamwork and diversity within RISE: “Our members come from all over the world and learn to collaborate with people from different cultures, which prepares them well for future careers.”
Interested in joining RISE?
Do you know any students who would like to join RISE? There are both technical and non-technical positions available for motivated students. Visit www.riseteam.nl for more information on open positions and projects.
