#PATHTOSPACE

Casper

A rapid testing approach to BURPG’s most innovative engine. Casper will enable mission critical data to be obtained and design decisions to made that will directly inform the next engine that will be the first university made engine to reach space.

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Casper

Working in parallel with BURPG’s Pursuit launch vehicle, the team is never not looking towards the next step towards space. After an extensive trade study on what it takes to get to space, BURPG determined the new propulsion system that it needs to develop. Keeping with our robust engineering approach, Casper was born as a test-bed engine for BURPG’s next spaceshot engine.

Casper features a single, extreme-efficiency, coaxial-swirl injector featuring additive manufacturing and a variable length chamber in order to extract optimal performance out of the engine. Following Casper’s hot fire campaign, data analysis will be conducted in order to determine the most efficient injector geometry and characteristic length. There will then be seven of these replicated injector elements on BURPG’s largest engine ever developed which will reach towards space.

Casper will produce over 900 lbf of thrust with a 500 psia chamber pressure running off of isopropyl alcohol and nitrous oxide. Casper will be tested on BURPG’s Horizontal Test Stand.

Project Updates

Extreme Efficiency Injection

In order to reach space, BURPG’s engine requires extreme combustion efficiencies to extract as much performance as possible. By utilizing a fully custom coaxial-swirl injector, Casper will effectively mix and combust its liquid propellants. Casper will feature one of the next spaceshot engine’s seven injector elements. Water flows have already been conducted of a variety of injector elements. Casper’s injector is a prime example of how BURPG continues to push the envelope on propulsion technologies.

Variable Chamber Length

While Casper is characterizing its injector, it will also seek to understand the optimal characteristic length value for its injector. This is done by a unique chamber design that allows for adjustment in its length. This data will prove valuable when making the flight-optimized space shot engine.

Rapid Iteration & Rapid Testing

Propulsion is traditionally one of the most expensive and laborious processes of any launch vehicle’s design. Casper turns that notion on its head with the ability to be tested multiple times in a single testing session with a variety of different injector geometries and chamber lengths. Featuring professional design standards and construction, Casper will be able to effectively test and record data on one of BURPG’s most ambitious projects to date.

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