USC Rocket Propulsion Lab

Rockets
The USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL) is a student-run aerospace engineering organization dedicated to designing, building, and testing high-performance rockets and propulsion systems. Working entirely in-house, students develop engines, avionics, structures, and flight systems while managing the full lifecycle of complex launch vehicles. RPL’s work bridges academic theory and real-world engineering, giving students experience with rapid iteration, systems integration, and flight testing while advancing the capabilities of collegiate rocketry and student-led spaceflight. RPL’s current project, Daybreak, is a new rocket the team aims to launch to space again this semester.

USC Rocket Propulsion Lab project image
USC Rocket Propulsion Lab Maker Picture

USC Rocket Propulsion Lab

The USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL) is a student-run aerospace engineering organization at the University of Southern California focused on designing, building, and testing high-performance rockets and propulsion systems. Organized into multidisciplinary subteams including propulsion, avionics, structures, software, and flight operations, students manage the full lifecycle of rocket development from design and manufacturing through testing and launch. RPL provides hands-on engineering experience that bridges classroom theory with real-world aerospace systems while advancing the capabilities of collegiate rocketry and student-led spaceflight.

Categories: Rockets, Engineering, Flying & Aeronautics, Rockets, Space

More Maker Info

https://www.uscrpl.com/

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More Project Info

https://www.uscrpl.com/

What inspired you to make this project?
The USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory was created to give students the opportunity to design, build, and fly real rockets as part of their undergraduate experience. Rather than limiting learning to simulations or small-scale projects, the team set out to pursue full-scale spaceflight through student-led engineering. This effort led RPL to become the first collegiate team to successfully launch a rocket to space. The project continues to be driven by the goal of advancing hands-on aerospace education while pushing the technical boundaries of what student teams can achieve.