HOPPER PROJECT

Reusable rocket development by students

Our Mission


The project goal is the development and production of a rocket hopper that will perform low-altitude vertical takeoff and landing tests. These objectives enable us to focus on the key technological aspects that are essential for advancing rapid reusability in Europe.
Meet the team
Core Values

Sustainable

We prioritize the development of a 100% reusable system, moving towards achieving sustainable and affordable access to space.
Core Values

Fast-moving

Part of our objective is building an agile team of engineers that moves fast and doesn't hesitate to try something new, as well as preparing for upcoming challenges in the space industry.
Core Values

Education And Inspiration

We're not just building a rocket vehicle; we aspire to educate and inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts through outreach programs and student involvement.
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Hopper Overview

Rocket Vehicle

The hopper frame is made from high-strength aluminum and serves as a stable base for mounting four legs and the gimbal joint. The frame not only secures the tanks in place, but also facilitates the attachment of the fluid system and the linear actuators, which enable precise steering of the engine.
Height
3.5 m
Diameter
0.4 m
Liftoff Mass
145 kg
Target Flight Duration
60 s

Maxwell Engine

The vehicle will be powered by a liquid-propellant rocket engine, fully designed by our team. The combustion chamber will be metal 3d-printed, allowing us to manufacture the thrust chamber with internal cooling channels in one piece and reducing complexity.
Propellants
Ethanol / N2O
Thrust
2000 N
Chamber Pressure
25 bar
Material
3d-printed Inconel

From Concept To Flight

Q3 2023
Project Kick-Off
Q3 2024
Full Scale Engine Test
Q4 2024
Vehicle Integration
Q2 2025
Vehicle Qualification
Q4 2025
First Hop!
Partners
We are grateful for the generous support we receive from our sponsors and institutes.

Our Team

We are embarking on an ambitious project that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the space industry. We welcome driven and talented individuals to join our team and help us achieve our goal of shaping the future of space exploration.
We strive for excellence in all aspects of our project, from rocket design to project management, to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations.
We are passionate about rocket engineering and are driven by our shared enthusiasm for creating a cutting-edge vertical takeoff and landing rocket vehicle.
We approach challenges with determination and perseverance, always pushing ourselves to overcome obstacles and achieve our project goals.
You share the same mission and are interested in working with us? Check out the job listings!
Open Positions

Reach out to us

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our project, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can email our team or message one of our project leaders on LinkedIn. We would be happy to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
hopper@sta.rwth-aachen.de