
SEDS UCSD is a team of highly motivated, passionate students focusing on propulsion development, rocketry design, in-space robotics, and CubeSat hardware. The SEDS UCSD team acknowledges NASA’s focus on safety and makes every effort to incorporate NASA’s operating procedures into their design and daily operations.
Over the last few years, a team of entirely undergraduate college students has been working on the Colossus Static Fire System. The compilation of this bi-propellant liquid rocket engine test stand provides a long-lasting hot fire capability for the SEDS UCSD program. Colossus is established as a technical development project utilizing proven designs and hardware to create a foundation for future projects and test programs. The system will be used to attain performance parameters of liquid rocket engines.
Future iterations and engine designs can progress armed with a critical mass of data and Gantner Instruments’ support. Colossus has an extensive network of sensors deployed around the system. These sensors provide the students with real-time temperature, pressure, and force data from various test stand components. Gantner Instruments provided the students at SEDS UCSD with a reliable and high-fidelity Q.series data acquisition system to acquire quality data from these sensors. The Q.series DAQ system’s superior flexibility allows the students to program automated responses to errors and actuates the fire safety valves to prevent system failures.
We at Gantner Instruments are proud of the accomplishments of SEDS UCSD and continue to look forward to the progress made by this innovative student organization!
More articles
Test Like You Fly, Fly Like You Test
When building a rocket there is a whole flight certification process, and qualification is an important part of that. It proves the hardware meets the requirements and performs the way it is designed to do. Of all parts of a rocket, the engine section is perhaps the most critical during launch. The weight of the massive rocket is pushing down, while the engines are pushing up with millions of pounds of thrust. Whether it is an engine for experimental rockets or for commercial spaceflight, adequate testing is critical to the success of each launch program.
Read more...The Battery Show South 2026
April 22–23, 2026 | Charlotte Convention Center | Charlotte, NC | Visit us at Booth 2230 (FLW Southeast)
Read more...Precision Quiescent-Current Measurement with Q.raxx X slimline A108 2SC
Quiescent current measurement is essential across various industries, notably in the development of battery-powered devices, automotive electronics, and energy-efficient technologies. Also known as standby current, this crucial parameter measures the current in electronic systems during idle states, significantly impacting power consumption, battery longevity, and overall efficiency. Minor inaccuracies in its measurement can lead to considerable consequences.
Read more...TechDay SHM 2026
This event focuses on Structural Health Monitoring and gives you a great chance to explore the latest technologies and connect with industry experts.
Read more...