Cal Poly's First Liquid Rocket: 'Goose'

In March 2024 I joined the "Let it Loose" team on one of Cal Poly's rocketry clubs, SLO Propulsion Technologies (SPT). The team aimed to use SPT's knowledge of building liquid bi-propellant rocket engines and implement one (fueled by nitrous oxide and isopropyl alcohol) into an actual rocket. This would be Cal Poly SLO's first-ever liquid rocket. The entire design, testing, and launch were completed in just seven weeks.

On May 25, 2024, we set up our rocket "Goose" at Friends of Amateur Rocketry in Mojave, CA. Goose successfully flew, achieving an altitude of 15,300 ft and a top speed of Mach 1.1.

When I initially joined the team, I was given the task of being responsible for the coating and design of the rocket. At first, I wanted to test out a couple of different powder coatings with the powder coating oven we have in the student machine shop, but due to our tight deadline and need for flexibility, I opted for vinyl wrap. I created the rocket's design and even made a logo for our project (see bottom of page).

Ultimately, I ended up helping out with the project wherever was needed. This included: 

• Assembly and integration: I helped assemble and integrate the fuel tanks (body of the rocket) for testing and launch. This required coming up with procedures and modifying parts to make assembly smooth and cause minimal damage in our tight-fitting areas. I also was responsible for fastening the lines that held our custom valve in the closed position right up until ignition.

• Machining: I helped machine line cutters for testing and refined the machining operations. I also turned down the phenolic tube (to line the combustion chamber) and reshaped our COTS nozzle so the engine components had a sliding fit.

• Repairs: Our parachutes got singed during ejection charge testing, and without time to order new ones, I patched them back together with a sewing machine. 

Build and Launch Videos from SPT's YouTube Channel

The Team