@article{rzewuski2026optimizing,
  title = {Optimizing Sounding Rocket  Development Through Propulsion  System Testing},
  author = {Szymon RZEWUSKI and Milosz J. KOZYCZ and Rafal S. FENC and Kamil P. WASZCZUK},
  year = 2026,
  url = {https://ibimapublishing.com/articles/CIBIMA/2026/875885/},
  journal = {Communications of the IBIMA},
  volume = 2026,
  pages = 14,
  doi = doi.org/10.5171/2026.875885,
  abstract = {Propulsion system testing plays a critical role in the development of experimental sounding rockets by providing experimental validation, reducing engineering uncertainty, and supporting informed design decisions. While test campaigns require additional infrastructure and operational resources, they enable improvements that are often unattainable through analytical methods alone. This paper presents both theoretical and practical aspects of propulsion system testing for sounding rockets, including measurement techniques for thrust, pressure, temperature, and propellant mass, together with selected solutions implemented in the propulsion system test stand developed by the student research group PWr in Space.
The study investigates the technical and economic impact of propulsion system testing throughout the sounding rocket development process. Particular emphasis is placed on how experimental validation supports the optimization of structural mass, propellant mass, subsystem reliability, and manufacturing methods. Case studies covering injector plate redesign, FEM-based structural optimization, and hybrid rocket fuel grain manufacturing demonstrate how experimental campaigns reveal design deficiencies, validate engineering assumptions, and guide design improvements beyond the capabilities of theoretical analysis alone.
The results indicate that, despite the additional cost of conducting test campaigns, propulsion system testing can substantially reduce the overall cost and risk of sounding rocket missions. Improvements such as reduced propellant consumption, lighter structural components, and enhanced subsystem reliability contribute to greater mission efficiency and lower development costs. These findings demonstrate that propulsion system testing should be regarded not only as a validation procedure but also as a strategic engineering and economic optimization tool in the development of experimental sounding rockets.},
  keywords = {sounding rocket, propulsion system, test campaign, reduce costs},
  note = Article ID: 875885
}