About Project Clementine
The Highlander Space Program (HSP) at UC Riverside is raising funds to build and test Project Clementine — a student-designed rocket powered by a regeneratively cooled LOX/ethanol engine with Thrust Vector Control (TVC). This project marks a bold leap in technical complexity and hands-on aerospace education at UC Riverside. Your contribution directly supports our rapid, iterative design process to bring Clementine to flight.
Our Mission
Project Clementine is HSP’s most advanced engineering challenge yet: a fully student-led effort to design, build, and fly a liquid rocket featuring a regeneratively cooled LOX/ethanol engine with active TVC for precise flight stabilization.
This two-year project builds on the success of Project Poseidon, which earned 1st Place and the Most Efficient Liquid Engine Award at the 2024–25 FAR-OUT Competition. Clementine pushes our technical boundaries even further, giving students real-world experience with the complex systems found in professional launch vehicles.
Year 1: Propulsion Development
In the first year, we developed the propulsion system through the design phase and through a static test of the ignition system. We also designed, built, and integrated TANGERInE, a liquid-fueled test vehicle to develop the airframe and recovery systems that we will use on Clementine. This laid the groundwork for the year ahead.
Year 2: Flight Integration and Launch
This year, we’ll integrate avionics, structures, and propulsion into a flight-ready rocket, followed by a controlled launch and recovery.
Through this process, our team gains experience in:
• Propulsion and thermal systems
• Flight software and embedded control
• Composite structures and payload integration
• Ground testing and launch logistics
How Your Gift Helps
By supporting Project Clementine, you’re directly funding student innovation and career development in aerospace engineering.
We’re aiming to raise $25,000 to complete the project. Every dollar goes toward design, manufacturing, testing, and launch operations:
- $11,000 – Propulsion system: fabrication and testing of the regeneratively cooled engine, injector, nozzle, and cryogenic hardware
- $3,000 – Avionics: flight computers, sensors, and custom PCBs for Thrust Vector Control development
- $2,000 – Structures: fiberglass airframe, recovery system, and drone payload using FPGAs
- $3,000 – Ground support equipment: test stand, launch infrastructure, and fueling systems
- $6,000 – Testing and travel: transportation, accommodations, and logistics for multi-day operations
Backed by UC Riverside
Our team is supported by the Bourns College of Engineering. We have access to campus lab space and machining equipment but rely on external donations for the specialized materials, components, and travel costs needed to bring this rocket to life.
Launching Rockets, Launching Careers
This project isn’t just about launching rockets — it’s about launching careers. Our alumni have gone on to work at SpaceX, Blue Origin, APL, and other leading aerospace companies.
With your support, we’ll continue building that path for the next generation of engineers.
Highlander Space Program Fund - Current Use - gifts of $25 or more, up to $1,000 will be matched, dollar for dollar, until available matching funds run out or till Nov 8, immediate support for Highlander Space Program.
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The U.C. Riverside Foundation tax ID number is: 23-7433570
