UCI Rocket Project Liquids Team 🚀

The UCI Rocket Project Liquids Team is an extremely competitive aerospace engineering team of over 40 students at University of California Irvine, working on complex propulsion, aerodynamic, and ejection systems. These systems follow stages of professional modeling and simulation software, innovative manufacturing, fabrication solutions, and strict validation procedures. There are four subteams to our program: Operations, Launch Vehicle, Propulsion, and Avionics.

As a team solely comprised of undergraduate students, we aim to break the collegiate methalox altitude record of 13,205 feet while reducing our cycle time from 6 years down to 2 years. We are currently working on our next rocket, MOCH4 (catchy acronym for the methane and oxygen propulsion system used), for our upcoming launch in Spring 2025. 

Below you can find the official video of our first launch in April 2023 with detailed interviews and footage of our ground-breaking success.

The Avionics subteam is seeking to get printed circuit boards for the electronic control unit on our rocket leading up to our next launch. We are requesting sponsorship for a full turnkey run of PCB manufacturing and assembly. The estimated size is 100*150mm, 6 layers, and 4/4 mil. Our custom-designed PCBs form the nerve center of the rocket, providing essential control and monitoring capabilities from the launch pad through the entire mission. Whether it's regulating propellant flow through electric valves, triggering parachute deployment, or igniting the engines at launch, the PCBs give us complete control over critical flight systems, empowering us to execute the mission with confidence and precision.

The Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a key PCB integrated directly onto the rocket, is responsible for managing all onboard systems. It controls valve states, monitors pressure and temperature, and gathers data from the rocket’s flight sensors, all while continuously transmitting vital telemetry to our ground station during flight. The ECU is outfitted with a ST ASM330LHB 6-axis IMU, MS5607 barometric altimeter, and uBlox M8 GNSS, ensuring precise tracking of the rocket’s location and velocity—critical data for maintaining mission success and safety.

Complementing the ECU, the Avionics Flight Sensors (AFS) PCB handles apogee detection and parachute deployment. Equipped with its own ST ASM330LHB 6-axis IMU, Altimeter, and GPS, the AFS ensures accurate apogee detection within a three-foot margin, triggering the parachutes for a safe descent. Additionally, the AFS stores flight data on a microSD card, allowing us to retrieve vital information in case communication with the ECU is interrupted, ensuring we can analyze and improve future missions.

UCIRP Liquids would significantly benefit from partnering with PCBWay. As a team of passionate undergraduate students focused on designing and building aerospace technology, we often face challenges in sourcing and manufacturing components while staying within our budget and timeline. With help from companies like PCBWay in the industry, we are able to learn more, progress in fulfilling our dreams and continue accomplishing great feats.