Launch Canada Special PRojects
Launch Canada doesn’t just run Canada’s largest rocket engineering competition; we also lead major collaborative “special projects” that allow students from multiple teams to come together and work directly with experienced industry professionals on big, real-world aerospace R&D projects designed to teach real-world skills and make theory come alive like nothing else can. Our Special Projects display to the students the systems engineering, technical and management rigor that the industry demands, and introduce safety concepts and practices, all while enabling cutting-edge technology development and demonstration at the lowest possible cost. All part of our unique approach of combining education with innovation!
Engine Testing
In the summer of 2021, 70 students came from across Canada to learn what it takes to fire a liquid rocket engine, see professional hardware and safety practices in action, and work through months of preparations and testing, culminating in a flawless test firing of a 1000 lb thrust liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket engine. With the help of sponsoring companies, we were able to showcase high end components, fluid controls, instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and introduce the students to the suppliers and practices that help achieve the safety and reliability that the industry needs.
TurboPump Development
Turbomachinery is among the most challenging aspects of professional rocket propulsion systems. Attempting a turbopump development is almost unheard-of for students and amateurs, and few university programs teach these subjects at more than a superficial level. Launch Canada is changing this.
Our Turbopump R&D Project is pushing the boundaries of collaborative education and technology development, giving university students from across Canada the chance to design, build and test a complete pump-fed rocket propulsion system - a first for Canadian student rocketry.
Phase 1: Electric-driven fuel pump
Phase 2: Electric-driven liquid oxygen pump
Phase 3: full gas generator cycle turbopump
End goal: pump-fed static firing of a 5 kN thrust engine
Students gain hands-on experience in turbomachinery, engine cycles, systems engineering, advanced manufacturing, fluid systems, controls and instrumentation - while collaborating across schools and connecting with industry leaders.
