Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab - (ERPL)

Welcome to Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach!

We are a student-run organization dedicated to designing, building, and testing experimental rocket engines. With over 100 members from all grade levels, we specialize in advancing rocket propulsion technology through hands-on research and development. Students of all majors experience hands-on learning through various projects spanning liquid rocket engines, fluid systems, avionics, electronics, and flight bodies.

At ERPL, our current main focus is accelerating towards the launch of our premier liquid rocket, MOE, at the Friends of Amateur Rocketry Dollar per Foot challenge. With the goal of hitting an altitude of 60,000 feet, MOE will achieve a new height of achievement for the university. However, to prepare for the launch of MOE, we have be consistently designing, manufacturing, and hot firing our liquid rockets like the 1000 lbf engine Triton and 300 lbf engine Juno, with the Draco feed system.

Below are the videos for the two latest engines we have hot-fired on the Draco feed system.

To support and control all these projects, our growing electronics team continuously works hard to develop and utilize new custom PCBs. From designing our own remote actuation and data acquisition unit and overhauling our current wiring harness, we hope to design new custom printed circuit boards that can support all our projects at ERPL.

Our new electronics projects consist of:

Flight computer: An RF-capable flight data acquisition system based on the i.MX RT1062 (Teensy) microcontroller. Contains an IMU, barometer, GPS, and 433MHz LoRa transceiver. Validated through multiple rocket flights.

Panda: A compact, combined fluid data acquisition and remote actuation system based on the i.MX RT1062 (Teensy) microcontroller. Capable of switching up to twelve 24V DC channels, supporting up to sixteen Pressure Transducers, six Thermocouples, and six Load Cells

Future Remote Unit: Upgraded remote actuation system capable of switching up to sixteen 24V DC channels and supporting five motor channels for engine throttling. Based on the i.MX RT1062 (Teensy) microcontroller.

With the partnership, we would be able to further develop and accelerate these electronic projects, allowing us to expand our capabilities as a club for future projects. From the quick PCB prototyping to advanced assembly services, PCBWay’s support will facilitate quicker learning and innovation from the teams here at ERPL, in not only electronics but every division. As a way of thanks, PCBWay will also have logos displayed on our live stream and in front of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Rocket Lab.

It takes a lot of dedicated work and collaboration within our organization to launch MOE and many other projects. As the club continues to grow, the support provided will enable us to develop bigger projects, launch even higher, and accelerate the students who dedicate their time to the club.