Colossus was never a project designed for competition; it is a platform for collaboration between members of the collegiate and amateur rocketry community. Now fully operational, Colossus is providing university teams with a flexible, safe, and reliable solution to engine testing, accelerating the pace of innovation and the interchange of ideas. Colossus is currently available to rent. Rental includes operation and system tailoring, as well as assistance with all of the logistics. NASA engineers have graciously provided us with invaluable resources and advice for redesigning the system.
Tech Specs
Structure designed to withstand 5000lbf of thrust
Current plumbing sizing configuration allows for 2700lbs
Maximum pressure of 1350psi
Maximum volumetric flow rate of 4gal/s
Cryogenic compatible on both the LOx and propellant side
Data Acquisition System (DAQ)
22
Pressure
Transducers
18
Thermocouples
1
Load
Cell
Exchangeable Engine Interface
The rocket engine to be test will be mounted here.
Exchangeable Engine Interface
The rocket engine to be tested will be mounted here.
Blast Shield
Protects the system from the intense conditions that may be created by the engine.
Blast Shield
Protects the system from the intense conditions that may be created by the engine.
Onboard Control Panel
Computer-controlled automated hot-fire sequence with continuous safety checks and manual override.
Ultra-high speed/accuracy pressure, temperature, and force measurement logging with live data viewing.
Onboard Control Panel
Computer-controlled automated hot-fire sequence with continuous safety checks and manual override.
Ultra-high speed/accuracy pressure, temperature, and force measurement logging with live data viewing.
Pressurized Propellant Tanks
Ability to pressurize up to 1350PSI.
Bi-cryogenic compatibility (LOX/RP, LOX/CH4, LOX/LNG, N2O/Alcohol, LOX/LH2, etc.)
8 gallons of propellant and oxidizer capacity each.
Pressurized Propellant Tanks
Ability to pressurize up to 1350PSI.
Bi-cryogenic compatibility (LOX/RP, LOX/CH4, LOX/LNG, N2O/Alcohol, LOX/LH2, etc.)
8 gallons of propellant and oxidizer capacity each.
Plumbing System
Pressure vessels designed and manufactured to ASME standards and certified by ASME inspector.
Insulated 1" diameter main propellant lines.
Comprehensive automated valve pneumatic actuation system.
Plumbing System
Pressure vessels designed and manufactured to ASME standards and certified by ASME inspector.
Insulated 1" diameter main propellant lines.
Comprehensive automated valve pneumatic actuation system.