by Jim Gross, Reaction Research Society
The RRS hosted the University of Southern California (USC) Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL) from Friday, 11/11, to Sunday, 11/13/2022 for a static firing of their latest experimental class, solid propellant motor design, Firebiter. I was the pyrotechnic operator in charge with Keith Yoerg and Michael Rouleau apprenticing.
![](https://www.rrs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/7B5CF372-A227-43CE-90A7-2BDAE55B73A2-980x1024.jpeg)
Back in September, USC completed a series of test grain burns which gave valuable regression factors necessary for their full 6-inch scale solid motor.
Borrowing from painful past experiences, USC RPL under their team leader, Julia Woomer, found a good compromise between stability and performance as evidenced by their hotfire on Sunday just three minutes before noon.
![](https://www.rrs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4D5DDF45-0F69-466D-A1BF-9353916E6AC1-1024x461.jpeg)
The RRS has had a long successful relationship with USC for over a decade. USC will prepare another full-scale motor for flight soon.