HERMES

RPL’S SUGAR PROPELLANT ROCKET

Hermes represents Rocket Propulsion Laboratory’s effort towards developing a reusable solid rocket with a yearly launch cadence. Hermes is propelled by a solid sorbitol fuel mixture that is manufactured in-house.

Participating in the Friends of Amateur Rocketry’s 51025 competition, Hermes aims to reach an altitude of 25,000 feet.

HEIGHT

7.7 ft / 2.35 m

DIAMETER

6 in / 15.24 cm

MAXIMUM SPEED

MACH 2

EXPECTED LAUNCH DATE

Spring 2025

Hermes I’s primary payload is a CubeSat affectionately named GUS. Developed by UC Davis’s Space and Satellite Club, GUS is a 2.5-pound microsatellite that sports a low-power avionics system, two retractable solar arrays, and an aluminum frame. GUS will collect environmental data during its flight.

Hermes Static Fire Test

Since its inception, continuous efforts towards manufacturing the nozzle and cooking ideal grains culminated in a successful static fire in May 2024. On May 25, 2024, RPL's Hermes team completed the organization's first static fire of an experimental solid rocket motor. Due to the hard work of the Hermes team, the static fire was a complete success, and we're excited to be making our way towards launch as we continue marking off the checklist of test procedures.