Regulated Pressure

Disclaimer: I don't own this project. Full credit goes to Aadam Awad (Columbia SEAS '26) for P&ID and system design on the '24-'25 rocket.

However, I helped greatly with fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, and operation of the system alongside our propulsion fluids team. For the upcoming '25-'26 year I am responsible for P&ID and system design as the propulsion fluids co-lead.

P&ID Explanation

I made this video explaining from first principles how our onboard regulated pressure system works. Aimed at new members as an introductory explanation to pressure, valves, regulators, and more.

Skip to 22:47 for fill procedures and firing sequence

Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)

Above is the diagram itself, and below are pictures of the assembled onboard system. Note that the "Run Valve", "Fill/Abort Valve", and "Vent Valve" are all custom pneumatic valves designed and machined valves made in-house in the '24-'25 year. You can learn more about the Run Valve here.

This entire system was theorized, designed, fabricated, assembled, tested, and launched in one year. This pressurant system was a significant challenge, and it took two months of non-stop work and testing to bring our entire fluids system to a static fire ready state. Those two months were full of mistakes, overambitious deadlines, and many late nights, but we learned an incredible amount and eventually achieved a working system which launched in June 2025.

Fully Assembled Onboard GN2 System, several days before launch

GN2 System after testing, ice formation due to cryogenic propellant

Cold Flow

This test was the most successful of our many cold flow attempts, where we operate the integrated fluids system without fuel or an ignitor in the chamber.

From our three custom pneumatic valves, custom GSE pressure panel, and onboard pressurant system, dozens of parts had to work perfectly together to achieve this.

Best_ColdFlow.MP4

Static Fire 5_14.MP4

Launch.mp4

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