Sisyphus — Subsystem
Two-axis gimbal mount driven by dual servo actuators provides real-time attitude correction during powered ascent. The mount is built for fast iteration and tightening control authority as flight loads change.
Iteration
First iteration integrated an overly complex rocket motor reloading mechanism, which used a bolt-action locking mechanism and a spring system that pushed the ascent motor forward into the TVC mount. While the system successfully demonstrated thrust vectoring, the design's complexity made it too unreliable for flight.
Iteration
The Mark 2 iteration simplified the motor reloading mechanism, removing the bolt-action lock and spring system in favor of a more straightforward friction-fit motor staging. This change improved reliability and greatly reduced the chances of mechanical failure during flight. Despite the greater vectoring load, it still demonstrated effective thrust vectoring performance.