Pioneering
3D-Printed Propulsion
NEAL Aerospace will be the first student group to successfully design and test a hybrid rocket engine utilizing a 3D-printed ABS fuel grain. Our Remus engine targets 2.5 kN thrust, redefining what's possible in student rocketry.
Modular Testing
Infrastructure
Ostia is our modular, multi-vehicle test stand. Designed for flexibility, it allows for rapid and safe testing of various propulsion systems, including our Remus hybrid rocket.
Monopropellant
Innovation
Our proprietary Cyclopes engine represents the future of compact, efficient propulsion systems for small-scale aerospace applications.
Autonomous
Flight Systems
Hyperion is our advanced drone platform, designed to test cutting-edge propulsion technologies in real-world flight conditions.
Our Achievements
Remus Rocket
The world's first undergraduate student-designed hybrid rocket engine featuring a revolutionary 3D-printed fuel grain system.
Technical Specifications
Propulsion System
Hybrid rocket engine using a 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) fuel grain with nitrous oxide (N₂O) oxidizer
Peak Thrust
2.5 kN (2,500 Newtons) design goal
Fuel Grain Geometry
3-inch diameter, 15-inch length optimized for maximum performance
Specific Impulse
227 seconds, optimized for hybrid propulsion efficiency
Innovation
First successful implementation of FDM 3D-printed fuel grain in a student rocket engine
Remus engine cutaway showing internal fuel grain geometry
Fuel Grain
Intricate Geometries
Easy to implement complex grain shapes with additive manufacturing.
Repeatable & Accurate
3D printing delivers highly repeatable grains with tight tolerances.
Rapid Optimization
Print–test–reprint workflow makes it easy to iterate toward optimal performance versus traditional casting.
Ostia Test Stand
A state-of-the-art modular testing infrastructure designed for safe and efficient validation of multiple propulsion systems.
Mobile Testing Platform
Ostia is a mobile rocket test stand designed to accommodate various propulsion systems in a horizontal configuration. The system features two main components: a robust steel mount for propulsion devices and a dedicated fluids cart housing all necessary plumbing infrastructure.
Horizontal Test Configuration
Optimized mounting system for safe and efficient engine testing
Advanced Data Acquisition
Real-time monitoring of thrust, pressure, temperature, and vibrational data
Mobile & Modular
Portable design with integrated fluids cart for field testing flexibility
Multi-System Compatibility
Engineered to support various propulsion systems from hybrids to monopropellants
Data Acquisition Capabilities
Thrust Measurement
Precision load cells for accurate thrust profiling
Temperature Data
Multi-point thermal monitoring systems
Pressure Sensing
Real-time chamber and line pressure tracking
Vibration Analysis
Advanced vibrational data collection
Hyperion Drone
An advanced autonomous flight platform designed to validate innovative propulsion systems in real-world conditions.
Mission Profile
Hyperion serves as our testbed for integrating cutting-edge propulsion technologies with autonomous flight control systems. The platform will eventually incorporate our Cyclopes monopropellant engine for extended flight capabilities.
Autonomous Navigation
Advanced flight control algorithms for stable, reliable operation
Telemetry Systems
Real-time data transmission for performance monitoring
Modular Payload
Interchangeable systems for different testing requirements
Hyperion platform with integrated sensor suite
Platform Specifications
Flight Control
Custom-developed autopilot system with redundant safety features and GPS/IMU integration
Power System
High-capacity LiPo battery system with intelligent power management
Communication
Long-range telemetry link for command and control up to 5km
Integration
Designed for future integration with Cyclopes propulsion system
Cyclopes Engine
A revolutionary monopropellant propulsion system designed for compact, efficient thrust generation.
The Future of Compact Propulsion
The Cyclopes engine represents our most ambitious project yet. Using advanced monopropellant chemistry and precision-engineered components, this engine will power the next generation of small-scale aerospace applications.
Compact Design
Optimized for integration with small aerial platforms while maintaining significant thrust output
High Efficiency
Advanced catalyst systems for maximum propellant utilization and specific impulse
Rapid Response
Quick ignition and throttle response for precise flight control applications
Safety First
Designed with multiple safety features and fail-safe mechanisms
About NEAL Aerospace
Pioneering the future of aerospace technology at Georgia Tech.
Our Mission
NEAL Aerospace is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of student-led aerospace research. We strive to develop innovative propulsion systems and aerospace technologies while providing hands-on engineering experience to Georgia Tech students.
Our Story
Founded at Georgia Institute of Technology, NEAL Aerospace began with a simple but ambitious goal: to design and test a hybrid rocket engine using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
What started as a small group of passionate engineering students has grown into a multidisciplinary team tackling some of the most challenging problems in modern aerospace engineering.
Our achievement as the first student group to successfully test a 3D-printed fuel grain hybrid rocket engine marked a major milestone, but it's just the beginning of our journey.
NEAL Aerospace team at Georgia Tech
Our Teams
Propulsion
Engine design, testing, and optimization
Structures
Airframe and component design
Avionics
Flight computers and telemetry systems
Recovery
Parachute and safety systems
Our Values
Innovation
Pushing boundaries with creative solutions to complex engineering challenges
Safety
Maintaining the highest safety standards in all testing and operations
Excellence
Striving for technical excellence and continuous improvement
Want to Join Our Team?
Our Sponsors
Our achievements are made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and partners.
Thank You To Our Partners
We are grateful to all our sponsors for their continued support. Your contributions enable us to push the boundaries of student aerospace research, develop innovative 3D-printed propulsion systems, and achieve groundbreaking milestones in hybrid rocket technology.
Platinum Sponsors
Platinum Tier Sponsor
Platinum Tier Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Support the next generation of aerospace engineers and be part of groundbreaking research.
Platinum
$10,000+
- • Logo on all vehicles
- • Featured in press releases
- • Test site visits
- • Quarterly reports
Gold
$5,000+
- • Logo on website
- • Social media recognition
- • Semi-annual reports
Silver
$1,000+
- • Website listing
- • Newsletter updates
- • Annual report
Interested in Sponsoring?
Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities and help fuel our next milestones.
Join NEAL Aerospace
Be part of something extraordinary. Join Georgia Tech's premier aerospace research organization.
Why Join NEAL?
Hands-On Experience
Work on real aerospace projects from design to test
Learn & Grow
Develop technical skills beyond the classroom
Build Network
Connect with like-minded engineers and industry professionals
Make Impact
Contribute to cutting-edge aerospace research
Open Positions
Electrical & Hardware (Data Systems)
Data & Electronics
Build and maintain data acquisition, sensors, and test electronics (DAQ, wiring, telemetry). Comfortable with hardware bring-up and basic scripting.
Business & Operations
Operations Team
Manage sponsorships, outreach, and team operations. Strong communication and organizational skills required.
Financial Officer
Operations Team
Handle SOFO purchasing, budgeting, and reimbursements. Coordinate with suppliers and ensure compliant spend tracking.
Application Process
Apply
Submit your application online
Interview
Meet with team leads
Onboard
Complete safety training
Start
Begin working on projects
Requirements
- ✓ Currently enrolled at Georgia Institute of Technology
- ✓ Passion for aerospace and engineering
- ✓ Commitment to team meetings and project deadlines
- ✓ Willingness to learn and collaborate
- • All majors welcome - we value diverse perspectives!
Ready to Apply?
Recruitment opens at the beginning of each semester
Media Gallery
Explore our latest tests, launches, and team moments.
Featured
Remus Engine Test - Full Duration Burn
Our most successful test to date, achieving full design burn duration with stable combustion.
Photo Gallery
Static fire test at Georgia Tech facility
Team assembling Remus engine
Ostia test stand setup
3D printing fuel grain components
Preparing for test launch
NEAL Aerospace team 2024
Press & News
Students Achieve First for 3D-Printed Rocket Engine
NEAL Aerospace becomes the first student organization to successfully test a hybrid rocket engine with 3D-printed fuel grain...
Read More →Innovation in Student Rocketry
How one university team is pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing in aerospace applications...
Read More →Next Generation Propulsion Systems
NEAL Aerospace team discusses their groundbreaking work in hybrid rocket technology and future plans...
Read More →Latest Test
Remus Hybrid Engine - Full Duration Static Fire
November 15, 2024
Test Summary
NEAL Aerospace successfully completed a full-duration static fire test of the Remus hybrid rocket engine at our Georgia Tech testing facility. The test marked a significant milestone, achieving all primary objectives and demonstrating the viability of our revolutionary 3D-printed ABS fuel grain technology with nitrous oxide oxidizer.
The engine burned for the full design duration, producing stable thrust throughout the burn with excellent combustion characteristics. The 3D-printed fuel grain maintained structural integrity under extreme conditions, validating our innovative manufacturing approach. All safety systems performed flawlessly, and our comprehensive data acquisition systems captured high-quality telemetry throughout the test.
Key Results
Peak Thrust
Burn Duration
Specific Impulse
Success Rate
Test Objectives
Validate 3D-Printed ABS Fuel Grain
Achieved: First-ever student test of a 3D-printed ABS fuel grain. The grain maintained structural integrity throughout burn with excellent regression characteristics and combustion stability.
Demonstrate Full Duration Burn
Achieved: Engine operated for full design duration with stable combustion and thrust output.
Test Data Acquisition Systems
Achieved: All sensors and telemetry systems functioned correctly, providing comprehensive data set.
Validate Safety Systems
Achieved: All safety protocols and emergency systems performed as designed.
Data Analysis
Thrust vs. Time
Thrust profile showing stable combustion throughout burn duration
Chamber Pressure
Consistent pressure indicating efficient propellant flow and combustion
What's Next
Following this successful test, the team is now focused on scaling up the design for higher thrust applications and preparing for flight testing. We're also conducting detailed analysis of the telemetry data to optimize future iterations.
Q1 2025
Scaled engine design and testing
Q2 2025
Flight vehicle integration
Q3 2025
First flight attempt
Want to See More?
Contact Us
Get in touch for sponsorships, media inquiries, recruitment, or general questions.
Send a Message
Get In Touch
contact@nealaerospace.com
We typically respond within 24-48 hours
📍 Location
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332
United States
🕒 Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
(During Academic Semesters)
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