UCI Rocket Project - Liquids Team: Latterally Actuated Technical Test Environment (L.A.T.T.E.)

Laterally Actuated Technical Test Environment

Background

Successful launch operations for the UCI Rocket Project Liquids Team’s rocket, MOCH4, depend on performing pre-launch procedures efficiently and consistently at the Friends of Amateur Rocketry (FAR) site. Delays in setup increase exposure to rising wind speeds and propellant boil-off, both of which reduce launch success and altitude performance. However, the team’s current testing infrastructure does not accurately replicate launch conditions. Cold flow and hot fire tests are performed with the engine and feed system in orientations that differ from flight, introducing flex hoses, hard lines, and pressure drops not present in the actual configuration. These inconsistencies affect injector inlet pressures and reduce the fidelity of propulsion data.

Additionally, on-campus assembly and integration tests cannot currently simulate the true launch rail geometry or vertical hoisting process, leading to unverified procedures and inefficiencies on launch day. To address these challenges, the team is developing a modular launch rail that matches the FAR setup, enabling full-scale cold flows in the actual launch configuration and providing a realistic environment for assembly practice. This system reduces setup variability, improves data accuracy, and helps ensure reliable and repeatable launch operations.

Goal and Objectives

The overarching goal of project L.A.T.T.E. is to design and manufacture a modular testing rail that enables the UCI Rocket Project Liquids Team to assemble MOCH4 (and future rockets) onto, allowing use during Cold Flow tests and assembly practice.

Fall Quarter 2025:

Week 8: Final CAD and component analysis
Week 10: CDR with sponsor and proof of concept

Winter Quarter 2026:

Week 1: Receive ordered parts and begin manufacturing
Week 5: Design refinements and part replacements as needed
Week 7: Testing and improvements
Week 10: Final assembly and successful tests

Components Overview

Base: Supports the entire structure without failure and prevents tipping when hoisting the rocket into the vertical orientation
Beam: Mounted onto the pivot point and enables the attachment of the rail while safely withstanding the load of the rocket
Rail: Attached to the beam and replicative of the FAR launch rail to enable the rocket to be mounted on smoothly without failure
Pivot: Withstands the load of the rocket throughout the hoisting process and ensures a smooth and slow hoisting process
Hoisting: Hoists the rocket from a horizontal to vertical orientation in a safe manner with the utilization of a worm gear and pulley
Locking Mechanism: Locks the rocket into the vertical position after hoisting as a safety measure

Additional Useful Links

Documentation

UCI Rocket Project Liquids Team Website

LATTE Problem Definition

LATTE Preliminary Design Review

Team Contacts

Luis Porras | Porrasl@uci.edu

Uma Iyer | usiyer@uci.edu

Jaden Ike | jike@uci.edu

Trey Leever | tleever@uci.edu

Seina Shimizu | seinas@uci.edu

Mary Ajemyan | majemyan@uci.edu