Valkyrie

Columbia University Rocketry builds and tests hybrid engines from scratch for competition at the Spaceport America Cup/FAR-OUT. As a lead of the Propulsion - Combustion Chamber subteam, I oversaw the development of two full engines, starting with top level parametrization and culminating in successful flights.

Valkyrie Mk1 and Mk2 are Nitrous/paraffin hybrid engines capable of 1,000 and 1,500 lbf, respectively. They feature impinging doublet injectors to cover the entire fuel grain surface with oxidizer. Recent designs have introduced turbulence-inducing baffles near the contracting portion of the nozzle to achieve more complete combustion.

All engines componets are machined in house. The team prides itself on our ability to execute full production of engines without any outsourcing, and we’ve found the machining process to be conducive to a more cohesive team.