THE KEROLOX PROGRAM
YJSP’s KeroLOX Program is tackling some of the most technically challenging aspects of rocketry. KeroLOX stands for Kerosene and Liquid Oxygen, the two propellants used by our rockets. Not only do we deal with the difficulties of using cryogenic liquid oxygen, but we also push ourselves to innovate through custom designed systems as opposed to off the shelf components. Our mission is to create talented engineers through ambitious and challenging experiences.
VESPULA
Introducing Vespula, YJSP’s second KeroLOX rocket - applying all the lessons learned from GoldiLOX to create a well optimized, reusable launch platform. Vespula is slated to launch in 2025.
2500lbf ENGINE, LOX/KEROSENE, 23FT LONG, 10IN DIAMETER
GOLDILOX
GoldiLOX, also known as Subscale, is YJSP’s proof-of-concept KeroLOX vehicle acting as a test bed for all the technology and know-how required to build bigger and more powerful rockets. The Subscale Mission was not optimized for altitude or performance, but instead for educational value. GoldiLOX is riddled with custom hardware, from custom machined valves to a suite of custom avionics and software. GoldiLOX was YJSP’s first liquid rocket project and through many problem-solving moments the team has come a long way to a successful launch and recovery on Jan 6th, 2023. See our launch documentary encapsulating the challenging but rewarding experience of launching a liquid rocket.
5000ft APOGEE, 900lbf ENGINE, LOX/KEROSENE, 18FT LONG, 8IN DIAMETER
SYSTEMS
Engine
Subscale uses the YJ-1S, a heatsink engine with a graphite ablative nozzle. The engine uses a pintle style injector where LOX is injected radially and fuel is axially. The engine has been hotfired several times, iterating on the injector design.
LOX
The LOX (Liquid Oxygen) section is composed of a series of components, including regulators and valves, and an in-house built stainless steel tank, the LOX Tank. Our Oxygen Main Valve is also built in-house, and our entire system is cleaned to be compatible with liquid oxygen. The entire LOX section is insulated and it is suited for cryogenics.
Fuel
The Fuel section includes our in-house built aluminum tank and Fuel Main Valve, as well as a series of other components used to safely feed fuel into the engine. Fuel is pressure fed through the tank and a series of plumbing to be injected into the engine.
Pressurant
The Pressurant section contains the Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) and Intertank 1. The COPV holds high pressure gaseous nitrogen (GN2) which is used to pressurize our propellant tanks (LOX and Fuel). Intertank 1 contains a series of regulators for pneumatics, to pilot valves, and for pressurizing our tanks to desired pressures.
Avionics
The Avionics section houses our Avionics stack, a collection of 5 custom PCBs controlling Subscale. The Avionics Bulkhead provides an interface between the valves, sensors, and Ethernet signals from Mission Control to the Avionics stack.
Recovery
The Recovery section contains our flight parachute as well as some commercial electronics for deployment.