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.