Student rockets propel Norwegian space exploration forward
Propulse NTNU is a student organization that designs, builds, and launches rockets. The project aims to provide students with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience through realistic engineering projects that can strengthen them as engineers in future projects and careers.
The Biggest Rocket Project to Date
This year’s project, Bifrost, is the largest and most ambitious so far. The goal of the project is to design an entirely new student-developed bi-propellant liquid engine to be used in the rocket. By developing this engine, Propulse aims to drive Norwegian space exploration forward. This gives students the chance to work with technology crucial for the future of space travel, while also gaining valuable experience and knowledge.
“GKN is a key contributor to Bifrost’s success, providing training, technical guidance, and financial support. The collaboration represents GKN Aerospace Norway’s recognition of our organization, which strengthens our position in the Norwegian and international space industry. Furthermore, the project relies heavily on the direct support from GKN,” says William Dugan, Chief Propulsion Engineer at Propulse.
What is Bifrost?
Project Bifrost is a major rocket project involving the development of a rocket with a self-developed bi-propellant liquid engine. The project builds on previous successes in student rocket construction and is Propulse’s largest rocket undertaking to date. The goal of the project is to develop a rocket that can serve as a guide for future Norwegian space exploration.
Dedicated Students
The Propulse project is driven by a group of dedicated students at NTNU. The team consists of students from all year groups, from first-year students to those writing their master’s thesis with us. We have a diverse membership with various backgrounds and areas of expertise. This includes technical fields such as mechanics, software, electronics, and physics, as well as members working in marketing, administration, management, and finance.
“My biggest motivation for joining Propulse was my desire to learn through practical work. You learn a lot at university, but seeing the laws of physics unfold through testing and analysis provides an understanding that you won’t find in textbooks. Propulse is also a great social arena; close teamwork and high ambitions lead to strong friendships! Plus, it’s naturally a bit cool to brag to your family that you work as a rocket scientist,” says William Dugan.
“As the Chief Propulsion Engineer at Propulse, my tasks are to plan, organize, and document the work around engine development while ensuring that the engine fits with the other systems in the rocket. It’s an exciting and challenging role that requires close collaboration with the rest of the team to ensure we reach our goals and deliver a successful project.”
Ambitious Goals
The project started in earnest in August 2022 and has an ambitious timeline, aiming to be completed in a little over a year. It benefits from previous experience with rockets and an R&D project with a hybrid engine. The plan is to participate in the European Rocketry Competition in October, a European student competition in rocket development.
Propulse has sponsors in most of the fields they work in. The mechanical group has sponsors supporting production, while the avionics department also has partners for electronics, measuring instruments, radio equipment, and more.
You can find all the sponsors on their website.
“For many of the members in Propulse, GKN Aerospace is an attractive workplace due to its affiliation with the space industry. It allows us to further develop our skills and abilities, work closely with other engineers in the same industry, and learn from their experiences and knowledge. At GKN, you also have the opportunity to bring your own ideas into your work and be challenged on them. The tasks done at GKN are also relevant to us and can be a natural career path after a role in Propulse. Overall, these factors make GKN Aerospace an attractive workplace for many of the members in Propulse,” concludes William Dugan.
