Oliver Hitchens
I currently work as a postgraduate researcher at the Surrey Space Centre. After receiving my master’s in Spacecraft Engineering, I was awarded a studentship by the University of Surrey’s Doctoral College to study for my PhD in plasma spacecraft propulsion.
I spent three months developing and testing a 3D printed liquid rocket engine for Rocket Factory Augsburg in Germany, before returning to the UK to continue study towards my PhD. My research covers ceramic 3D printing of electric plasma thrusters for spacecraft as well as novel microwave plasma propulsion technologies. My work focuses on the conceptualization, development and testing of such systems as well as their eventual integration into the commercial space sector.
Latest articles by Oliver Hitchens
3D-printed rocket engines: The technology driving the private sector space race
By Oliver Hitchens published
The volatile nature of space rocket engines means that many early prototypes end up embedded in dirt banks or decorating the tops of any trees that are unfortunate enough to neighbor testing sites.
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