The SR Dorado project is a student research programme at the TUD Dresden University of Technology, conducted as part of STERN III funding from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The objective is the development of an innovative sounding rocket with a length of around 4.5 metres and a diameter of 20 centimetres, designed to reach a maximum altitude of around 7 kilometres. The rocket is powered by one of the first liquid propulsion systems developed by students in Germany with a thrust of 3 kilonewtons, which uses ethanol and liquid oxygen (LOX) as propellants. The launch is planned to be performed at the Swedish launch site ESRANGE in Kiruna. The project places particular emphasis on the practical training of students in the field of launch systems in order to promote both technical knowledge and social skills.

Between 9^th and 13^th of December 2024, the SR Dorado project team, consisting of students from STAR Dresden e.V. and two research assistants from the Institute of Aerospace Engineering at TU Dresden, successfully carried out the second test campaign of their self-developed rocket engine. This milestone demonstrates the project's progress in the development and validation of the propulsion system.

Milestones and results

During the campaign, a total of five successful test runs were conducted to validate the second engine iteration. The data obtained exceeded the initial performance estimates, particularly in terms of the maximum thrust of 3200 newtons, which clearly demonstrated the efficiency and stability of the design.

Another significant success was the realisation of a radio experiment to validate an in-house developed flight computer. This system will perform essential control and monitoring tasks in the upcoming mission. The tests confirmed the functionality of the communication system under realistic environmental conditions for the first time.

Relevance of teamwork and scientific support

The successful realisation of the test campaign was the result of the extensive collaboration and commitment of all team members. Through the use of technical expertise, creativity and motivation, everyone involved made a decisive contribution to the success of the campaign. The scientific supervisors supported the team with their expertise and ensured that the tests were carried out efficiently and safely.

Thanks to the partners and sponsors

Special thanks go to the people responsible for the M11 test facility at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Lampoldshausen. Their support and the utilisation of their test facilities were of central importance to the success of the campaign. The team would also like to thank the DLR administration for funding the project under grant number ‘50RL2252’.

Outlook and next steps

The results of the second test campaign form a solid foundation for further development within the SR Dorado project. The data and findings obtained will be incorporated into the next engine iteration and the optimisation of the flight design, with the aim of making the system more efficient, lighter and suitable for flight.

The SR Dorado project impressively illustrates how interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific methodology and technological innovation are creating the basis for the training of the next generation of German aerospace engineers.

© Bruno Dietze