History
The Keweenaw Propulsion Laboratory (KPL) team was founded in the spring of 2025 with the creation of the AERE Enterprise at Michigan Tech. KPL was formed by a group of students who were interested in developing a propulsive lander.
Our Goal
The goal of the Keweenaw Propulsion Laboratory team in AERE is to provide members with hands on experience in developing rocket engines to deepen their technical knowledge and apply classroom concepts to real world engineering challenges. Through working towards the goal of propulsively landing a liquid rocket engine, students design, build, test, individual components the team members get experience working with the engineering lifecycle. By working on complex, team based projects, members develop both technical and collaborative skills equipping them with the tools needed for success in the aerospace industry after graduation.
Current Missions
Rocket -1
Started during the summer semester of 2025 the team began following the Mojave Sphinx guide book to work on manufacturing and assembling their own rocket and ground support equipment. Work on the engine is ongoing with a target static fire before the end of 2025. The engine will be a bi-propellant fueled with nitrous oxide and isopropyl alcohol.
Autonomous Flight Control
Started in the fall semester of 2025 the team begun work on developing an autonomous flight control system. The system will initially use propellers before later switching to a liquid rocket engine. The system will be used to test control for both hops and hovers of the test vehicle.
