About LP:

UConn Liquid Propulsion is a student-led collegiate team working to design, develop, and test a liquid rocket engine. Our aim is to eventually create a launch vehicle that’s capable of propulsively landing, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, we achieved several key milestones on our path toward launch readiness. We utlized Selective Laser Manufacturing to 3D print a rocket engine combustion chamber with integrated regenerative coolant channels. We completed the development and testing of a pintle injector, a redesigned augmented spark igniter, and an upgraded propellant feed system, and finished off with an attempt at hotfire. In addition, we led manufacturing sessions that provided team members with hands-on experience in machining processes such as milling and lathe operation. Members also gained exposure to live test operations and contributed to simulation work, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of our engine and test stand.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, we plan to machine custom feed tanks designed to deliver ethanol and nitrous oxide at target flow rates. We also aim to conduct hot fire testing of our heat sink development engine as we begin our throttling test campaign.

Members of our team have worked with NASA, SpaceX, and Electric Boat!

Looking ahead, we intend to enter our designs in collegiate rocketry competitions. Our ultimate goal is to be the first student team to successfully land a liquid-propelled hopper vehicle.

Mission:

We want to advance our understanding of liquid rocketry through design, manufacturing, and testing of student developed propulsion systems. By pushing the boundaries of whats capable at the collegiate level, we aim to establish UConn as a recognized leader in student aerospace excellence.