SLO Propulsion Technologies is an organization committed to educating students about small-scale propulsion systems through rapid iterability, hands-on education, and a strong simulation of industry. In our opinion, rocket science doesn't have to be inaccessible or slow. By focusing on smaller-scale test articles, we can rapidly develop complex and interesting technologies in shorter time frames.
At Length
In 2021, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted an average increase of 3,800 aerospace engineering jobs each year over the next ten years. Despite this, contemporary global and local events have caused the opportunities to engage with technical aerospace engineering education at Cal Poly –particularly in the realm of propulsion— to atrophy. As engineering students, we were disappointed by not only the lack of opportunities to get up close and personal with such systems, but also the scope, practices, and/or progress of existing projects on campus.
As our team’s identity is rooted in education, our team continues to provide an application of hands-on experience to the knowledge gained in the classroom. The necessary development of highly technical fluids, thermodynamics, structural, and electrical design for any liquid propulsion system not only matches the needs of industry, but brings another pillar to what Cal Poly has to offer.
Following in Others’ Footsteps
A key tenant of our plan is leaning on industry experience. While we continue to onboard talented and creative engineering students, we are simultaneously growing a board of industry advisors. Currently, we have industry advisors currently working at aerospace companies such as SpaceX, Relativity, Stoke, Hermeus, and more- helping us to develop our system, safety procedures/protocols, and organizational structure.
Looking Towards the Future
We believe that an education-focused, ownership-based system with strong industry connections is the best strategy to ensure such an organization lasts into the future. We hope that, through involvement in our projects, SPT will increase the chance of Cal Poly students to get important technical skills, leading to stellar careers.
As our team’s identity is rooted in education, our team continues to provide an application of hands-on experience to the knowledge gained in the classroom. The necessary development of highly technical fluids, thermodynamics, structural, and electrical design for any liquid propulsion system not only matches the needs of industry, but brings another pillar to what Cal Poly has to offer.
Following in Others’ Footsteps
A key tenant of our plan is leaning on industry experience. While we continue to onboard talented and creative engineering students, we are simultaneously growing a board of industry advisors. Currently, we have industry advisors currently working at aerospace companies such as SpaceX, Relativity, Stoke, Hermeus, and more- helping us to develop our system, safety procedures/protocols, and organizational structure.
Looking Towards the Future
We believe that an education-focused, ownership-based system with strong industry connections is the best strategy to ensure such an organization lasts into the future. We hope that, through involvement in our projects, SPT will increase the chance of Cal Poly students to get important technical skills, leading to stellar careers.
SLO PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES
