During the summer semester of 2025, AERE’s Keweenaw Propulsion Lab (KPL) began work on Rocket-1, a project focused on developing and manufacturing a rocket engine and its associated ground support equipment.
Using the Mojave Sphinx guidebook as a reference, the team began manufacturing and assembling components for the rocket and its supporting systems. This work provided students with hands-on experience in machining, fabrication, and the practical challenges of rocket propulsion development.
Rocket-1 was designed around a bipropellant engine using nitrous oxide and isopropyl alcohol as its propellants.
At the time of the original project update, engine development was ongoing, with the team targeting a static-fire test before the end of 2025.
The project represents an opportunity for KPL members to apply engineering principles through hands-on manufacturing, assembly, and propulsion system development.
