Polish students’ rocket R7 “OrzeÅ‚” will take part in the FAR-OUT competition

By Marek Grzybowski

Students from the SimLE inter-faculty research group, from the SimBa team, unveiled their new R7 “OrzeÅ‚” rocket. The rocket will compete in the FAR-OUT competition in May 2026. Work on “The Eagle” lasted three years – from 2023. The students will present their research results and the rocket at the following conferences: IAC 2026 and 27TH ESA PAC SYMPOSIUM.

The rocket is powered by a hybrid engine using paraffin as fuel and nitrous oxide as an oxidizer. The engine generates 4.5 kN of thrust and operates for 7 seconds. It is also the team’s first rocket with a structural tank, which not only stores fuel but also acts as a force-transmitting element.

The rocket is equipped with a proprietary two-stage landing system using a single parachute and a reefing technique, which involves its gradual deployment. After reaching apogee, the warhead is ejected with CO2 gas. The parachute first opens halfway, and at low altitude, a line cutter cuts the reefing line, allowing for full deployment and deceleration to 8 m/s.

The rocket is made of fiberglass and epoxy resin (upper section). This ensures radio transmission. The lower section (combustion chamber) is made of carbon fiber. The rocket’s connectors are manufactured using Radax technology, which allows for butt-joint assembly of the segments. This is an original solution developed by students that allows for faster assembly. The rocket’s connectors, developed by Polish students, are more resistant to sand than traditional solutions used in rockets. This solution was developed because the competition takes place in the Mojave Desert in California.

More info: https://wimio.pg.edu.pl/