In 2016, the liquid rocket engine project began, initially named LRE Zawisza. The main goal was to build a functioning rocket engine using a liquid propellant with a sufficiently high thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing it to be used in a rocket. After more than a year and a half of work, several prototypes were constructed, and in July 2017, the team successfully achieved the first correct ignition and sustained operation of the engine, which was a major success for us.
After this period and many tests, the key lesson we learned was to always start with the simplest and smallest version. The project had to be modified multiple times, and the final version turned out to be four times smaller than the initial assumptions. Additionally, the planned, complex cooling system was entirely removed from the project.
Based on these experiences, we decided to take on the challenge of constructing the first rocket in Poland with this type of engine.
The project aimed to set ambitious goals for the coming years in the rocket section of AGH Space Systems. During previous projects, we realized that building a fully functional rocket within a single academic year was very challenging. Therefore, in October 2017, the Turbulencja rocket was born.
The main goal of the project was to create the first Polish liquid-fuel rocket and successfully complete a flight reaching an altitude close to 9 kilometers.
Considering that the project would be developed over several years, a concept for a modular, configurable rocket system was outlined, designed for phased implementation of successive versions. Despite initial plans to create a two-stage design, with each stage powered by an engine from the Zawisza series, the team ultimately decided on a single-stage design, equipped with a more powerful propulsion unit.
In the first year of work, engineering models of both stages were created, and the integration of most of the subsystems was carried out. However, due to time constraints, some systems could not be tested. Despite this, thanks to comprehensive documentation and a strong presentation, Turbulencja secured 2nd place in its category at the international Spaceport America Cup 2018.
During the 2018/2019 year, a series of small-scale engine tests were successfully completed. Other subsystems were fine-tuned, including electronics, recovery systems, and structure. The rocket was prepared for integration with the large-scale engine, and in the first iteration, it will be a single-stage rocket.
In the 2019/2020 year, the large-scale propulsion system will be finalized, followed by testing and the first flight of the Turbulencja rocket.
