colossus

The Complete Liquid Rocket Static Fire System

About Colossus

Colossus Static Fire Test System (SFS) is a trailer mounted, static fire test stand for liquid bi-propellant rocket engines. Designed with the invaluable resources and mentorship provided by engineers at NASA, Colossus was developed to act as a platform for collaboration between members of the collegiate and amateur rocketry community. 

Now fully operational, Colossus is providing rocketry teams with a flexible, safe, and reliable solution to engine testing, accelerating the pace of innovation and the interchange of ideas. The test stand has recently undergone a variety of upgrades including the addition of a comprehensive fire suppression system and an edgertronic high speed camera.

Contact us today to initiate a test campaign with Colossus and to get more information on system specifications and compatibility with your engine.

Technical Specifications

Maximum Tank/Line Pressure1 350 PSI

Maximum Volumetric Flow Rate4 gal/s

Structure designed for5 000 lbf of thrust

Current plumbing sizing configuration allows for2 700 lbf of thrust


Data Acquisition System (DAQ)

System equipped with the following sensors:

13 Pressure Transducers

8 T-Type Thermocouples 

5 Load Cells

Able to support the following engine sensors:

16 Pressure Transducers

14 K-Type and 10 T-Type Thermocouples 

3 Load Cells

Systems Description

Exchangeable Engine Interface

The engine to be tested will be mounted here with a cant of 20 degrees.

Onboard Control Panel

Computer-controlled automated hot-fire sequence with continuous safety checks and manual override.

Ultra-high-speed and accuracy pressure, temperature, and thrust measurement logging with live data viewing.

Propellant Feed System

Insulated 1″ OD main propellant lines. Pressure fed system pressurized with gaseous nitrogen. Comprehensive automated valve pneumatic actuation system. Dual cryogenic compatibility (LOX/RP, LOX/CH4, LOX/LNG, N2O/Alcohol, LOX/LH2, etc.).

Propellant Tanks

Pressure vessels designed and manufactured to ASME standards. ASME certified for pressures up to 1350 PSI. 8 gallons of propellant and oxidizer capacity each.

Fire Suppression System

Comprehensive oxygen displacement system to put out fires in less than 5 seconds fed by gaseous nitrogen.

Test Campaigns

2017UCSD - Callan

2018ARC - Nemesis

2019UCSD - Ignus II

2019USC - Balerion

2023UCSD - Ignus II

Meet the team

Gallery