Liquid Propulsion Lab (LPL) at USC

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In 2015, the Liquid Propulsion Lab (LPL) at USC was founded with one goal: to become the premier graduate student team to design, build, and test bi-propellant liquid rocket engines and supporting technology. Through years of iteration, and relentless improvement, we have accomplished that goal, and are now striving to continue to make space history. We operate the largest collegiate liquid bi-propellant test stand in the United States and are in the top 5 for most powerful regeneratively-cooled collegiate rocket engines. With talent and perseverance, LPL is just getting started!

Our Goal

In January 2025, we set a new vision: become the first collegiate team in the world to design, build, and fly a Kerosene-Liquid Oxygen Hopper Vehicle. This vehicle will be capable of a controlled ascent to 50 meters, hover, and then perform a smooth landing at a designated location. This project simulates what the industry does during the initial design of fully reusable launch vehicles like SpaceX’s Starship or Stoke Space’s Nova. By using industry standards at a collegiate scale, students like us have the opportunity to solve today’s and tomorrow’s problems, and that is what USC LPL is working hard to do!

Support from the USC community is essential to us. In commemoration of our 10th anniversary, we are asking our supporters to make a gift of $10.00 (or more) in support of LPL at USC. Our goal is to raise $5,000 and with donor support we will be able to:

  • Purchase supplies, materials, and equipment to help us build our hopper vehicle and testing infrastructure
  • Cover travel and lodging expenses for test and launch site operations
  • Support essential logistical needs including costs for gas and propellant consumables

Only together, we can make space history.

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Image of Space X Starship Hopper Vehicle and Stoke Space Nova Hoper Vehicle


Our Accomplishments

  • In 2024, we had a total of 5 successful static fires, which more than doubled from 2023, and we tied the total firings from 2015 to 2022.
  • We accumulated a total of 56 seconds of runtime, more in a single year than the past 9 years of LPL’s milestones.
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Jessie and James Engine Static Fire


  • We have set many testing records because of the design of liquid rocket engine technologies including a pintle injector, an ablative engine, two custom throttling valves, and custom thrust vector control (TVC) actuators.
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Check out the 2024 Static Fire Recap or go the official  LPL at USC YouTube Channel for all the latest static fire clips!
Our History

Established in 2015, the Liquid Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Southern California stands as a dedicated initiative to offer students a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience and understanding of bipropellant liquid rocket engines and fluid systems, and supporting technology. This objective is achieved through the meticulous research, design, fabrication, and testing of varieties of liquid rocket engine technologies. By utilizing new advances in additive manufacturing and the wide availability of knowledge on propulsion in the present day, the lab is able to produce results that adhere closely to prevailing industry standards.
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LPL at USC Team Photo from First Static Fire (June 2016)


Liquid Propulsion Lab at USC has established itself as a prominent player in both academics and industry for its remarkable contributions. Undergraduate members pursuing graduate studies credit LPL’s role as a decisive factor in choosing to contribute to their academic journey. The impact of LPL extends into the professional realm as evidenced by the impressive array of companies where LPL alumni have chosen to work after completing their education.
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LPL at USC Team Photo from Balerion Static Fire (April 2024)


Thank you for your consideration in making a gift in support of LPL at USC.

Every gift, no matter its size, adds up to something big.

FIGHT ON!


For more information about Liquid Propulsion Lab at USC, check us out at:


Instagram: @usclpl
Twitter: @usclpl
YouTube: @usclpl
Official LPL Website: usclpl.com

All RSOs are approved by the university and are student-run and student-led student. RSOs are affiliated with the university but not part of the university. All RSOs operate with open membership and any currently enrolled USC student may join. RSOs also operate within the university’s non-discrimination policy:

 

Non-Discrimination Statement: This program is open to all eligible individuals. LPL at USC operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

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