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PROJECT WAVEFRONT

A Collaborative Undergraduate Team Advancing Innovation in Propulsion Technology

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MARK I

Mark I will be the first rotating detonation rocket engine, designed, fabricated, and constructed by an entirely undergraduate team.

OUR MISSION

DESIGN

Mark I is our proof of concept. Every component is designed and fabricated from the ground up by an entirely undergraduate team. Guided through collaborations with experts across the industry, including NASA, Project Wavefront is planning to close to the loop from ideation to delivery in less than a year. With a test campaign slated for 2026, Project Wavefront is ready to redefine the future of Aerospace.

INTENT

Project Wavefront aims to cultivate an engineering environment that emphasizes technical rigor, project ownership, and a culture of relentless innovation. As a non-profit research group, our primary goal is to accelerate rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) research. While significant research exists surrounding RDREs, it remains highly confined to major aerospace companies and well-funded laboratories. By thoroughly documenting our process and publishing the principles behind our system, we aim to bridge this gap and create a future where RDRE research and innovation is more accessible.

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SPONSORS & PARTNERS

At Project Wavefront we aim to redefine what the future of propulsion looks like through student innovation. With the support of partners and sponsors who are share about our vision, we can take our work even farther.

We are continuously looking for additional sponsors to help advance our mission. Please reach out through our Contact Us page.

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NASA sponsor logo
Ansys sponsor logo