Rocket Project

Background

                The UC Irvine Rocket Project aims to push the boundaries of collegiate rocketry and the development of liquid propellant rockets. Our project strives to prepare students for successful careers in the aerospace and defense industry. In 2017, Base 11 became a partner of the UCI Rocket Project. Their gracious donation enabled the construction of our rocket lab. During the Fall quarter of 2019, the team has scheduled and completed a successful static test fire to experimentally verify our first engine design. An experimental combustion test is a critical first step in designing a full rocket system as well more efficient, higher performance engines.

Goal and Objectives

            The Rocket Project is currently working towards launching our Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR) in the FAR Dollar per Foot Challenge (DPF) Challenge. In order to reach this goal we have three projects currently in development.

  • Preliminary Test Engine (PTE): PTE is the largest liquid oxygen and liquid methane fueled rocket engine created by undergraduate students. With its showerhead injector, ablatively cooled chamber, and graphite nozzle, it will produce an estimated 1000 pounds of thrust

 

  • Cold Brew: Cold Brew is UCIRP's newest modular test stand, designed and manufactured completely in house. This new system will cut down test operations from 12 hours to just 2. It will hold ground support equipment during vehicle launches and test the team's future rocket engines for many years.

 

  • Preliminary Test Rocket: Our Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR) is designed to break the current altitude record of 13,000 ft for university-built liquid rockets. Propelled by our PTE engine, its lightweight aluminum/ carbon fiber body will soar to an estimated 30,000 feet and be safely recovered on the ground using a two-stage parachute system. We plan on launching PTR during Spring, 2021.

 

To learn more about our team, visit our website: https://rocket.eng.uci.edu/

To donate to our team, visit our fundraising page: https://zotfunder.give.uci.edu/project/19851

Project status: 
Active
Department: 
MAE
Term: 
Fall
Winter
Spring
Academic year: 
2019-2020
Fall Poster: 
Winter Poster: 
The UC Irvine Rocket Project aims to push the boundaries of collegiate rocketry and the development of liquid propellant rockets
Fall Video: 
Winter Video: 
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