About KSLS

The KS Launch Systems project, founded by Kaden Shannon in December 2020, aims to achieve a propulsive landing of a model rocket. Before working on actively controlled rockets, a series of flights with a small kit rocket and a custom-built three-cluster rocket were conducted. In 2023, work on actively controlled rockets began with Phoenix 1, which first demonstrated a stable ascent using Thrust Vector Control in June, 2024. Using the lessons from the previous projects, Phoenix 2 is currently in development and testing to attempt a soft propulsive landing.

Hello, my name is Kaden Shannon! After gaining interest in spaceflight in May 2020 with the successful launch of NASA’s Demo-2 Mission, I have made it my goal to work on these world-changing missions in the future. Taking inspiration from Joe Barnard’s BPS.Space YouTube channel, I found a passion for rocketry and have worked toward the goal of landing a model rocket. I have already learned a multitude of lessons in planning, design, failure, and many other areas through my launches over the years. I have been very fortunate to take part in many incredible opportunities, especially serving as a NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth & Space Science intern this summer, where I applied the skills developed through KSLS to help develop and test a new method for characterizing the urban heat island effect. If you have any questions about the project or need help with your own, feel free to reach out below!