Incendium Terræ

This project is a 3 kN bipropellant kerosene-LOX liquid rocket engine designed for static testing.

It began in March 2024 when the team pivoted from the beginnings of a hybrid engine goal into a two-year design cycle liquid engine instead. This engine is planned to undergo cold flow testing in Summer 2026 and its first static hot fire test in Fall 2026, with its ultimate competition static hot fire at LC27.

The major subsystems include the nozzle-chamber-injector assembly, the feed system with SRAD tanks, the control/power/communications system, the data acquisition system, the thrust structure for the engine, and the “Phil Cart” mobile support structure for the tanks and feed system.

The most severe hazards affecting the project include tank overpressure and chamber detonation. Strategies used to mitigate these risks include several opportunities for tank venting, active monitoring of tank pressures and temperatures, strict oxygen system cleaning procedures, frequent progress review and reallocation of labour depending on progress, and significant focus on presentation quality, justification, and professionalism in funding applications.

Also see our related Liquid Engine Rocket project!