Cryogenic Propulsion

The shift from solid and hybrid to liquid engines in DARE is the next giant leap in terms of performance. These systems require knowledge in many multidisciplinary engineering fields and a lot of testing. Thankfully, DARE is full of motivated students ready for a challenge!

Our approach is to start small and finish big. In 2016 we started working on our first development engine which serves as validation for our calculations. Further on, the system will be gradually scaled up, miniaturized for flight and upgraded with more efficient components to ultimately be installed on a Stratos-class rocket and sent to space!

Team Leader: Nick Eichman

Team Members: Crina Mihalache, Leonard Besse, Lasse Lenarth, Diego Lukens, Mark Kalsbeek, Moana Lengkeek, Jonathan Neeser, Andrew Spekreijse, Dion van Strydonck

Work

Many milestones have to be hit in order for all of the components and subsystems to be safely validated.

Cryogenic Propulsion team has conducted several Cold-Flow tests, where they rehearsed the firing of the engine with water and liquid Nitrogen to validate the system behavior, improve procedures, and gather data.

In parallel, research has been conducted in the design of a spark torch igniter, in an attempt to design a reliable ignition source for combustion. However, the project has been put on hold due to unpredicted results, and to prioritize resources within the team.

In the past years, we have conducted many test of the various subsystems in our engine. For example, we have successfully performed cold-flow pressurization tests of our in-house made LOX tank and separate tests for our injector. We have also performed full system cold flow tests, providing a lot of valuable data that after analysis, has shown that the system works as predicted.

A look into the future

While the project has been discontinued in summer of 2020, the work on liquid-fuelled engines within DARE is carried on by Project Sparrow.

Thank you to our partners

ERIKS

ERIKS is an international industrial service provider offering a wide range of high-quality mechanical engineering components and associated technical and logistics services. ERIKS is helping DARE in the development of the cryogenic rocket engine feed system.

Angst + Pfister

Angst+Pfister is a leading supplier of technical components and comprehensive solution provider for a wide range of industries. Angst+Pfister is helping dare with he sealing of the cryogenic tank and the developement of the feed system.

LEMO

LEMO is the acknowledged leader in the design and manufacture of precision custom connection and cable solutions. LEMO’s high quality Push-Pull connectors are found in a variety of challenging application environments including medical, industrial control, test and measurement, audio-video and telecommunications. LEMO is helping the Cryogenic team with electronic connections for the whole system.

SCHWER Gmbh.

Schwer is a supplier of Stainless Steel pipe connection technology. Schwer branded production includes Couplings, Compression Fittings, Valves, Pipes, Hoses and Hose end Fittings. The high quality products are mainly used in gas and fluid hydraulic applications. Schwer is helping the team with the connection of the feedsystem elements.