Propulsion

Specializing in pushing the limits of propulsion technology

About The Propulsion Team

The SEDS UCSD Propulsion Team specializes in pushing the limits of propulsion technology, both at the collegiate level and in the industry. The team has a demonstrated history of firsts such as the first additively manufactured rocket engine to be hot-fired by an independent group (Tri-D) and the first additively manufactured rocket engine to be flown (Ignus I). The Propulsion Team is currently in the process of testing its next-generation rocket engine Nephas, as well as working on future projects.

Nephas

Block 0

The first edition of Nephas is a throttling, thrust-vectoring, reusable, restartable, pressure-fed LOX/LNG rocket engine additively manufactured from GrCop-42 and Inconel. It features a plasma-assisted torch igniter, regenerative cooling channels, and a coaxial swirl injector. It is designed to be a complete standalone package requiring minimal modification for integration with vehicles. Nephas will power both our Riptide lander and Halya rocket.

Block 0 of Nephas is currently being tested by the propulsion team.

Technical Specifications

PropellantsLiquid Oxygen and Liquid Methane (LNG)

Thrust2 000 lbf (9 kN) - 500 lbf

Chamber Pressure500 psia - 125 psia

Injector TypeGas-Liquid Coaxial Swirl

Chamber MaterialGrCop-42

Ignition MethodLOX/LNG Torch Igniter

Moonshine

Block 0

Moonshine is a LOX/IPA fully machined stainless steel engine. It features a triplet injector and uses film cooling. Moonshine is designed to be a small but powerful engine that can power anything from high altitude rockets to small-scale landers. It will be launched for the first time on the Martini rocket Spring 2025.

Block 0 of Moonshine has already been static fired, with a lighter flight chamber design underway.