Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR)

April 29th, 2023

On April 29th, 2023, we successfully launched our Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR), marking UCI’s inaugural entry into liquid rocketry. Standing tall at roughly 20ft and weighing just over 300lbs with full tanks, this bi-propellant methalox rocket gave our students the opportunity to solve the same problems being solved by industry leaders like SpaceX and Relativity Space.

Witness the impressive performance of our PTR as it soars to an apogee of approximately 9,100ft AGL, with a near-perfect burn time of over 13 seconds. It’s an incredible leap from our previous vertical test fire conducted in January—just three months prior. The journey of building this rocket spanned over six years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to witness its triumphant flight off the launch rail.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to this monumental project, from our valued sponsors to our dedicated team members. Without your unwavering support, this remarkable achievement would not have been possible. Join us in celebrating this milestone as we embark on a new era of aerospace innovation at UCI