Colton Koop

Director of Hardware Engineering

Summary

Colton Koop, in his final semester at SFU, is an Engineering Physics major with a minor in Mathematics. His time at SFU has been enriched by his involvement in the engineering student community, notably as the 2022/2023 ESSS VP Academic and as the SFU Rocketry Hardware Director. Colton has a keen interest in various aspects of engineering, ranging from electronics to computer architecture and embedded systems, with a special affinity for hands-on work in engineering labs, particularly with hardware. When not inhaling solder fumes, Colton enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he is a brown belt with four stripes.

Project Contribution

History at SFU Rocketry

Colton's involvement with SFU Rocketry began in 2022 as a Senior Designer for the Power Team, where he was soon promoted to Team Lead. In this role, he led the development of a range of projects including a 360Wh rechargeable battery pack, a configurable spot welder, a dynamic load testing harness, a Battery Management System PCB, and the Logic Level and Cernunnos DC-DC power converters, integral to the Liquid Rocket Engine control system. His team also contributed to the High-altitude RF and Communications Team's successful test launch in Carbon, Alberta, in August 2022, with a system later adapted for the Payload Recovery project.

Later, as Hardware Director, Colton oversaw seven hardware projects: LRE Engine Control Systems, HAP High-altitude RF Communications and Avionics, Guided Payload Recovery, Cryo Module LOx Tank Level Sensor, Spark Ignition System, Power Systems, and an Environmental Testing Chamber. His role involved guiding team leads through project management and technical challenges, helping to bring these projects to successful completion.