Big Liquid

SSTA's flagship liquid-rocket program.

Evan Eidshaug

Project Lead

Three-Year Project Timeline

Big Liquid is SSTA's flagship liquid-propellant rocket project: a full vehicle built around a student-designed and student-tested liquid engine. Across three years, the team is moving from foundational design work to integrated testing and flight readiness.

2024

Foundation & Engine Development

Designed, built, and tested, Big Liquid's propulsion system, igniting SSTA's liquid program.

2025

Engine Refinements, Infrastructure Buildout, & First Launch Attempt

The team revamped SSTA's test stand, revamped our Data Aquistison system, revamped propulsion system from an internal braided hose to an external downcomer, changed bulkheads to an isogrid design, and completeled a rigorous engine test campaign.

2025 resulted in a launch attempt at Friends of Amateur Rocketry (FAR) in Mojave, CA, where the team had a vehicle-side fill issue on launch, resulting in a stunted apogee.

2026

Integration & Flight Readiness

Big Liquid is set to launch. After an abort in May 2026 at FAR, we are gearing up for one more attempt.

December 2026, Big Liquid is set to fly. Stay tuned for more.