Aether I

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. A three-person team, including myself, was responsible for assembling, shipping, testing, and attempting to launch Aether 1 during the summer. Although the vehicle reached the pad, it ultimately failed to lift off due to a faulty check valve. 

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. 

Following this outcome, the team dedicated the subsequent semester to a comprehensive inspection and review of the entire vehicle, identifying and correcting any remaining deficiencies. With these issues resolved and the system fully validated, Aether 1 is now being prepared for a re-launch at Mojave on January 17th

Design

Gallery

Jan 2026

June 2025