The Mission
The Gryphon III is set to be the first liquid rocket launched from UK soil. This would mark a major step forward for university level engineering and the UK’s space sector, supporting the development of amateur rocketry across other university teams.
Project Timeline
Started Project
Preliminary Design Review
Critical Design Review
Liquid Engine Testing
Gryphon III Solid Motor Launch
Liquid Launch
Liquid Testing
Cold-flow
The setup for the cold-flow introduced us to the requirements for assembling and recording our liquid stack on the test stand. Once the rocket what successfully mounted, pressure transducers were connected to Buxton’s Data Acquisition System (DAQ) to collect pressure data.
Our cold flow was extremely successful, providing us with the vital pressure data and confirming functionality of our secondary flight computer in conjunction with the feed systems.
Following the successful cold-flow test, we progressed to attempting a hot-fire of the full stack. Our first attempt was unsuccessful due to a faulty off-the-shelf motor. Although discouraging, this didn’t harm the rocket, and we were able to continue with testing.
fULL STACK hOT-FIRE
Our second attempt was semi-successful. Due to receiving lower nitrous oxide pressures than predicted, we struggled to ignite the engine. In our final test of the week we managed to ignite the engine. It went out quickly, but we are very proud of our success in igniting an engine with our full fluid system.
Although our testing did not fully meet our required thrust levels, it provided the team with the invaluable experience in the requirements of liquid testing.
Although our testing did not fully meet our required thrust levels, it provided the team with the invaluable experience in the requirements of liquid testing.
Solid motor launch
The solid motor vehicle of Gryphon III was launched in May 2026, at the East Anglian Rocketry Society, and marked a significant milestone in the project’s progression. The launch successfully validated our airframe and recovery system.
Check out the onboard footage and launch highlights below!
Test launch Results
- Apogee: 2860m
- Top speed: 307 m/s
- Max Acceleration: 21.2 Gs
- Distance travelled: 3.456 km
We are currently on track for our liquid launch in the summer of 2026. Stay tuned to our socials for regular updates!
Student-led engineering initiatives like LURA have proven to be valuable, but often face funding challenges.
Help support LURA’s long-term projects by donating to our Crowdfunder.
Your donations will directly fund the critical components for G3 including the avionics, recovery system, aerostructures, flight dynamics, as well as the complicated logistics involved with fuelling G3 to a high-altitude from British soil.