Test Operations

LPL has three operational test stands: Hydra, Prometheus, and the Water Flow Test Stand (WFTS). Each of these stands is put through a rigorous testing campaign before they are qualified for full operation. The testing campaign for each system is similar in that they all go through basic proof, leak, and cold-flow testing to ensure that the system can operate at its intended pressure with no leaks during normal flow operations. Brackett Field Airport is our current test site where, all of the aforementioned tests are conducted. Once our systems are ready and qualified for hot-fire (static) testing, the team heads out to the Mojave Desert to Friends of Amateur Rocketry (FAR) or the Reaction Research Society (RRS) facilities to ignite our engines and igniters.

LPL’s Capabilities for Test Operations:

  • Hydra → Can be used to test rocket engines that gaseous oxidizer & liquid fuel up to 1000 Ibf. Also, could be used for flow characterizations (cold flows).
  • WFTS → Can be used for flow characterization of oxidizer & fuel injectors and feed system elements.
  • Prometheus → Can be used to test torch igniters, also allows to test small bi-propellant (gaseous oxidizer & liquid fuel) RC thrusters .

Static-Fire Test Operations

Cold-Flow Test Operations