Our Projects

P1 Liquid Engine

The P1 project represents one of the most difficult engineering undertakings possible for a student team. Unlike solid rocketry, which generally uses off-the-shelf hobby store motors and avionics, developing a liquid fueled engine presents a multitude of problems that all must be overcome for success. Transfer of cryogenic fluids, designing equipment capable of withstanding such low temperatures, precisely controlling the pressure at various points in the system, designing cooling systems for the extremely high temperatures in the chamber and nozzle, and creating emergency systems that default to a safe state in the event of an anomaly are but a few of the challenges we face. This project pulls on a multidisciplinary team of engineers working towards one goal: ignition!

Design/Build/Fly (DBF)

With the goal of competing against other universities , we are working to design a vehicle capable of crossing the Kármán line. The vehicle will be powered using the engine designed by the P1 team. A rocket body must be able to withstand extremely high pressures during its ascent to space, so the body must be incredibly strong.

The tanks that store fuel and oxidizer inside a rocket are critical components that must be able to withstand high pressures and cryogenic temperatures. Our team must design tanks that can withstand these conditions, while minimizing the tank weight and maintaining a rigid body.