LIQUIDS
Undergraduates building bi-propellant liquid rockets with our sights set on breaking the collegiate methalox altitude world record
2024/25 RECRUITMENT APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
MOCH4
UCI’s second liquid bi-propellant rocket
Project Timeline (2-year cycle)
After launching our Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR) in April 2023 after 6 years of design and development, our goal is to reduce our cycle time to 2 years with our next rocket, MOCH4
Fall 2023
Conceptual & preliminary design review(s) of new system
Winter 2024
Prototyping & testing new components/systems
Spring 2024
Feed system integration & complete cold flow testing
Fall 2024
System optimization for cold flows & static test fire
Winter 2025
System optimization for cold flows & vertical test fire
Spring 2025
Full system integration & launch in the Mojave Desert, CA
OUR MISSION
As a team solely comprising undergraduate students, our goal is to break the collegiate methalox altitude record of 13,205 feet AGL while reducing our cycle time from 6 years down to 2 years
OUR HISTORY
Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR)
Static Test Fires
2019 – 2022
Coming off an unsuccessful test fire a few months prior, we completed our third static test fire, verifying the performance of our Preliminary Test Engine (PTE) in April 2021. According to our data, the engine burned for 7 seconds and produced 950 pounds of thrust, with 880 pounds being produced at steady state.
Vertical Test Fires
2022 – 2023
On Jan 21, 2023, we attempted our second vertical test fire. Armed with new knowledge and improved designs and procedures, we were ready, and after months of dedicated work, we got incredible results. Generating over 800 pounds of thrust and burning for 7 seconds, exceededing expectations.
Launch
April 29, 2023
Just three months after our second vertical test fire, we launched UCI’s first liquid rocket, our Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR), to an apogee of 9,100 feet AGL, falling short of the collegiate methalox altitude record by just 4,105 feet, giving us plenty to improve on as we set our sights on breaking that record with our next liquid rocket.
OUR TEAM
We are a group of 40 undergraduate engineers, business-people, and so much more—yet, at the heart of our team, we share a deeply rooted passion for rocketry and engineering as we design, build, test, and launch UCI’s second liquid rocket, advised by Professor Xian Shi
PROPULSION
Our Propulsion team owns the development of our dual-cryogenic propulsion system (LNG + LOX) including the engine/feed system
Quincy Barnes, Christopher Arauzo, Jakob Bergman, Kenzo Faser, Hannah Hjelm, Felix Liu, Caden McCarthy, Ruben Carvajal, and Victor Plesco (not pictured)
LAUNCH VEHICLE
Our Launch Vehicle team owns the development of the rocket itself, from the aerostructure to the recovery system
Ryan Tran, Natalie Ang, Mindy Huynh, Angel Derouin, Triet Ho, Vivaan Kakkar, Linus Fischer, Luis Porras, and Nathan Co
AVIONICS
Our Avionics team owns the development of both our Engine Control Unit (ECU) and our Avionics Flight Sensors (AFS)
Daniel He, Michael Krinsky (not pictured), Alexandra Zhang-Jiang, Nicole Iftekhar, Eric Pedley, Aashay Sanjay Shah, Caden Nguyen, Robert Woo, and Gavin Nguyen
OPERATIONS
Our Operations team integrates our subteams cross-functionally through a systems engineering, design for manufacturing, and business-oriented approach to the project
Kyle Deck, Tyler Pena, Saheed Oladunjoye, Eric Tran, Matthew Michaelian, and Kai Meyers
SUPPORT OUR TEAM
Here’s what’s in it for you:
- Talent Pipeline: Connect with a pool of sharp young minds, ripe for potential hires and collaborations. We’re not just building rockets; we’re shaping the future of engineering.
- Maximum Exposure: Your brand takes center stage – on the rocket, our team gear, and all our promotional materials. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about making a bold statement.
- Impact on Education: By backing us, you’re not just supporting a rocket launch; you’re championing education and technological advancement. It’s about investing in the future.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sponsorship pitch; it’s an invitation to be part of something extraordinary, so click below to learn more & donate now
FAQ
Have questions? Find out the answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions, and if you’re looking for the answer to a question that isn’t listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
What happened to your PTR after launch?
Once our Preliminary Test Rocket (PTR) reached apogee, our recovery system activated, but ultimately failed, providing us with a clear goal for our next rocket; successfully recover it.
What improvements are you making to the new system?
Decrease diameter and total mass, by shifting to structural tanks, redesigning the airframe, and reducing internal plumbing while optimizing recovery
How does the team maintain knowledge from year to year?
We use a combination of MATLAB System Architecture and a Notion database that references information from our Google Drive to document design choices on and across each of our three system levels
How often do you recruit new members to the project?
We recruit new members to the project towards the end of our Spring quarter each year, with additional applications released when necessary.