A NEW ERA FOR LIQUID ROCKET ENGINE TESTING

PSP-L is building the Condor Test Cell, a state-of-the-art liquid rocket engine test stand capable of testing engines up to 2,500 lbf!

Founded in 2017, Purdue Space Program – Liquids (PSP-L) has been at the forefront of collegiate liquid rocketry. PSP-L has no application, membership dues, or requirements to join. In March 2024, we launched the Condor project in response to a growing demand for expanded engine testing capabilities. With most existing test resources reserved for graduate researchers, undergraduate students lack hands-on access to critical propulsion testing. Condor will change that.

The Condor Test Cell will provide PSP-L students with the ability to develop and test cutting-edge liquid-propellant rocket engines. This includes advancements in:

• Regenerative cooling
• Thrust vector control
• Pump-fed propulsion systems

Student member of PSP-L working on test cell hardware.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Very few universities offer student-run engine test facilities, making Condor a rare and invaluable opportunity. With your support, Purdue will continue to lead as one of the top propulsion schools in the world.A previous PSP-L hot-fire test at Zucrow Labs; with the Condor Test Cell, tests like this will be able to occur much more frequently.

Your contributions will directly fund the construction of the Condor Test Cell at Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. The site is currently undergoing teardown, and we need your support to purchase essential hardware, including:

• Cryogenic ball valves
• Relief valves
• Propellant tank stainless steel stock
• Steel for the thrust structure
• Tubing, fittings, and more

Without crowdfunding, we won’t have the necessary funding to complete construction by end of spring semester or early fall semester—every dollar brings us closer to making Condor fully operational.

Thank you for being part of Purdue’s legacy in space exploration!