MARK I

Mark I is Project Wavefront's inaugural design and the world's first rotating detonation rocket engine designed, built, and operated by undergraduates. As a technology demonstrator, it aims to enable future engine development.

2.1kN

Thrust

30 sec

Burn Time

Open Cycle

Water Cooling

Methagox

Fuel/Oxidizer

263 sec

Isp

2.56in

Chamber Diameter

0.816kg/s

Propellant Flow Rate

13kHz

Frequency

Overview Render

OVERVIEW

The Mark 1 RDRE is a cutting-edge rotating detonation rocket engine engineered by Project Wavefront. Designed to maximize efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratio, it pioneers detonation-wave combustion in a compact, reusable platform.

KEY SPECS

2.1kN
Target Thrust
263 sec
Isp (vacuum)
30 sec
Burn Time
0.816kg/s
Propellant FR
2.56in
Chamber Diameter
13kHz
Frequency
Key Specs Render
Architecture Render

ARCHITECTURE

Featuring an annular combustion chamber with integrated cooling channels, the Mark 1's architecture optimizes detonation propagation and thermal resilience. Subsystems include the injector assembly, detonation chamber, nozzle extension, and advanced fuel-delivery manifolds.

DETONATION INNOVATION

The RDRE leverages continuous detonation waves to improve thermodynamic efficiency beyond conventional deflagration-based engines. This breakthrough reduces propellant consumption while achieving higher chamber pressures and stable thrust output.

Detonation Chamber Render
Testing Render

TESTING & ROADMAP

Mark 1 will undergo hot-fire testing on Wavefront's vertical test stand. Future iterations focus on full-duration burn stability, gimbal integration, and eventual flight-qualified units for orbital launch vehicle prototypes.