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COMPETITION PROJECT

FIREHORN II

Firehorn 2 is the EPFL Rocket Team’s second cryogenic bi-liquid rocket, building on its predecessor Firehorn 1’s architecture. This project aims to launch in the Liquid 3km category of the 2026 edition of the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC), followed by a 9km launch in 2027. The architecture has been designed for a 30km flight, which will be the culminating point of the Firehorn architecture.

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Specifications

Year:
2025/26
City/Country:
Portugal
Goal:
3 & 9 km
Team members:
78
Logotype

Highlights

1,850+ km/h
Max reachable speed (Mach 1.5+):
30,000+ m
Max reachable height (apogee):

Rocket components

NOSECONE

Made from CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer), the nosecone houses the "Payload Guide," featuring an extensive suite of sensors for dynamic characterization. CFRP provides high strength and low weight.

RECOVERY BAY

Constructed with CFRP, this bay contains the reefed parachute and is designed to handle over 30g deceleration forces.

AVIONICS BAY

Built with GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), this section includes omnidirectional antennas and the flight computer for controlling the rocket.

PRESSURANT BAY

Equipped with a 400-bar COPV (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel) and a Bang-Bang Pressure Regulator to manage pressure during flight.

TANKS

Made of 2050 and 2195 aluminium, the tanks are rated for over 60 bar operational pressure. CFRP aerocovers protect external plumbing, and integrated flight cameras monitor the system.

INTERNAL STRUCTURE

The internal structure includes CFRP rods, anti-buckling rings, and 3D-printed interface rings for added support and durability.

ENGINE BAY

Home to the 7.5kN Ethanol-Liquid Oxygen engine, this bay features cryogenic-rated plumbing, valves, and CFRP fins. It interfaces with the ground segment for launch operations.

Animation

Milestones

This project started with the Firehorn architecture’s maiden flight at EuRoC 2025. Now, we are looking forward to a Critical Design Review (CDR) in late December, which will be followed by an intense period of testing and qualification in the second semester, highlighted by motor ignitions, destructive structural testing, and recovery drop tests. We aim for Vertical Static Fire Tests (VSFTs) in late July.