UC Irvine Rocket Project

Project Highlights

I had the honor of leading the UC Irvine Rocket Project in 2006-2007, and this senior project now has grown significantly since.

https://www.rocket.eng.uci.edu/

1st Launch

The rocket, Zot1 with a solid rocket propellant, reached an apogee of 9800 ft [3000m], achieving a max speed of 613 mph [981 km/h] and withstanding 8g. It featured a roll control system, onboard data acquisition, video recording, and a parachute recovery system.

2nd Launch

The refurbished rocket, updated with data telemetry and new roll control electronics, was equipped with a hybrid engine propulsion system for the second launch. Despite high winds, the rocket reached an apogee of 5500 ft [1676m], a max speed of 409 mph [658 km/h], and withstood 5g. This successful launch was featured in eXtreme Rocketry Magazine.

These highlights demonstrate our team's resilience and innovation in rocket technology research and development.

Special thanks to Roman Vaisman for the amazing onboard data acquisition system, and to Hung Nham and Miguel Martinez.