Aether I

• Rocket Length: 102"

• Rocket Diameter: 4"

• Max Altitude: 5,600ft

• Max Speed: n/a

• Fuel: Ethanol and Nitrous Oxide

Aether I is Illinois Tech Rocketry's first liquid rocket using Ethanol and Nitrous Oxide. Following a propulsion architecture inspired by Half-Cat Rocketry’s nitrous oxide–based design, Aether I stands 8.5ft, features a 5.2- second burn time, operates at a mass flow rate of 1.107 lbm/s, and produces a maximum thrust of 339 lbf.

The primary objective of this project was to provide hands-on experience in the complete lifecycle of a liquid rocket system. 

During earlier ground testing, a fuel line was insufficiently torqued and separated from the combustion chamber, resulting in a fuel spray and subsequent fire. Due to tight schedule constraints, the rocket was rebuilt in approximately one week prior to launch. During this rapid rebuild, the faulty check valve went undetected. This valve severely restricted tank filling, preventing the system from reaching proper pressurization and ultimately leading to the failed launch attempt.