Overview

The design, build and test of TADPOLE demonstrated our ability to make a throttleable liquid rocket engine, winning us the $15k milestone in the Collegiate Propulsive Lander Challenge. 

SuperTADPOLE was meant to be the successor and eventual flight vehicle engine with full regenerative cooling, increased system reliability, and increased engine efficiency. However, increased manufacturing costs led us to shelving the design & building SKIPPER to continue TADPOLE’s legacy.

Engines

Thrust                     550 – 220 lbf

Propellants           LOx/IPA

Material                 Al6061-RAM2

Ignition                  GOx/H2 Purdue Torch

Cooling                   Water Jacket

Thrust                       550 – 220 lbf

Propellants            LOx/IPA

Material                  GrCop-42

Ignition                   GOx/IPA Torch

Cooling                    IPA Regen + Film

Campaign Highlights

68 Tests Run

160s Hot Fire Time

16 Ignitions (6 Static, 10 Throttle)

All engine hardware reused on every test 

Won $15K CPLC Throttle Milestone