HERMES

RPL’S REUSABLE SUGAR PROPELLANT ROCKET

Hermes represents Rocket Propulsion Laboratory’s effort towards developing a reusable solid rocket with a 6-month launch cadence. Hermes is propelled by a potassium nitrate and sorbitol fuel mixture. The first iteration of Hermes, Hermes I, was successfully launched and recovered in May 2025, with Hermes II and Hermes III following in January and May 2026, respectively.

The next prospective launch, Hermes IV, is slated for October 2026.

We hope to have Hermes participate in the Friends of Amateur Rocketry’s UNL 2027 competition, where it will reach a height of 25,000 feet and a maximum speed of Mach 2.

HEIGHT

7.7 ft / 2.35 m

DIAMETER

6 in / 15.24 cm

MAXIMUM SPEED

MACH 2

NEXT EXPECTED LAUNCH DATE

October 2026

Hermes Static Fire Test

Since its inception, continuous efforts towards manufacturing the nozzle and cooking ideal grains culminated in a successful static fire in May 2024. On May 25, 2024, RPL's Hermes team completed the organization's first static fire of an experimental solid rocket motor. Due to the hard work of the Hermes team, the static fire was a complete success, and we're excited to be making our way towards launch as we continue marking off the checklist of test procedures.

Moving forward, we are excited to continue this cycle of consistent testing and improving with Hermes and expect another test launch in October 2026.