![PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] logo](https://s2.googleusercontent.com/s2/favicons?domain=purpl.space&sz=128){kind=small}
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab]
PURPL is a non-profit, student-led rocket propulsion engineering club at Purdue University, founded in 2024, where 350+ members from 9+ majors design, build, and test seven propulsion projects funded by aerospace industry sponsors including Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and L3Harris.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2024
- HeadquartersWest Lafayette, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab]
- Legal name
- PURPL (Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab)
- Website
- https://purpl.space
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2024
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- PURPL is a non-profit, student-led rocket propulsion engineering club at Purdue University, founded in 2024, where 350+ members from 9+ majors design, build, and test seven propulsion projects funded by aerospace industry sponsors including Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and L3Harris.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Student Aerospace Propulsion Research
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rocket Engines (Liquid) (IMABADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Propulsion Test, Integration & Certification Services (IMABADAN)
Keywords
Where PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- West Lafayette
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Sponsorship & Donations: PURPL operates as a student organization funded entirely through corporate sponsorships, donations, and in-kind support from industry partners in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PURPL is a student-led propulsion engineering organization at Purdue University that designs, builds, and tests rocket and aerospace propulsion systems across seven research projects (turbopump, electric propulsion, turbojet, rotating detonation engine, pulsejet, air-breathing, and torch training) and operates three dedicated hot-fire test stand facilities (Biggie-K, Tachyon, and air-breathing). It provides Purdue undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on end-to-end propulsion engineering experience, from CAD design and manufacturing through hot-fire testing, funded by corporate aerospace sponsors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Turbopump Project Student-led research project developing turbopump systems for rocket engine fuel and oxidizer delivery, open to Purdue students interested in turbomachinery.
- Electric Propulsion Project Student-built electric propulsion systems for spacecraft applications, including electric propulsion hot-fire testing, for Purdue student researchers.
- Turbojet Project Student-led design and build project for turbojet engines as part of air-breathing propulsion research, for Purdue engineering students.
- Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) Project Student research project focused on rotating detonation engine (ram accelerator/ramjet) technology, an advanced propulsion concept, recognized by AIAA in 2026.
- Pulsejet Project Student-led design and build project for pulsejet engines, a type of air-breathing propulsion system.
- Air-Breathing Propulsion Project Student research project on air-breathing propulsion systems, including turbojet engine development.
- Torch Training Program (TTP) Structured educational program that trains Purdue students in welding, machining, and propulsion manufacturing techniques as part of the club's curriculum.
- Testbed Test Stand Student-operated hot-fire test stand facility used to test rocket propulsion systems, supporting multiple test campaigns.
- Biggie-K Test Stand Student-operated test stand facility used for propulsion testing and hot-fire experiments.
- Tachyon Test Stand Student-operated test stand facility for propulsion testing and development.
Quantifiable outcome
- 350+ students gain hands-on propulsion engineering experience annually
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab]
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- ProtolabscoreRapid prototyping and manufacturing sponsor providing 3D printing and CNC machining services for student projects
- Marotta ControlscoreAerospace fluid control systems manufacturer supporting propulsion project development
- National InstrumentscoreTest and measurement equipment provider supporting data acquisition and instrumentation needs
- HoneywellflagshipMajor aerospace technology company providing sponsorship and potential technical mentorship
- L3HarrisflagshipAerospace and defense technology company supporting student propulsion projects
- Blue OriginflagshipSpaceflight company providing sponsorship and potential technical mentorship for student rocketry projects
- Lockheed MartinflagshipAerospace and defense contractor supporting student engineering education
- KulitecorePressure sensor manufacturer providing instrumentation for test facilities
- TechneticscoreAerospace sealing solutions provider supporting propulsion project development
- AnsyscoreEngineering simulation software provider supplying simulation tools for design and analysis
- Polymakerminor3D printing filament manufacturer providing materials for prototyping
- AltaircoreEngineering simulation and design software provider (owned by Siemens)
- Purdue University Mechanical EngineeringflagshipHost department providing institutional support and facilities access
- Purdue Engineering Presidents' CouncilflagshipUniversity engineering governance body providing institutional endorsement and support
- Bechtel Innovation Design CentercoreUniversity maker space providing manufacturing facilities and tools
- Metal SupermarketsminorMetal supply distributor providing materials for fabrication projects
- ImaginariumminorRapid prototyping services provider supporting project development
- PESCcorePurdue Engineering Student Council providing student organization support
- American Earth Anchors (AEA)minorAnchor and fastener manufacturer providing hardware support
- Proportion AirminorPrecision pressure control equipment provider for test systems
- SECO SealsminorIndustrial sealing solutions provider for propulsion applications
- Interstate Advanced MaterialsminorIndustrial materials distributor providing raw materials for manufacturing
- Precision Piping ProductsminorPiping and tubing supplier for fluid systems in propulsion projects
- Drake PlasticsminorEngineering plastics supplier for prototyping and manufacturing
- SendCutSendminorPrecision sheet metal fabrication service for manufacturing projects
- Northside Machine & ToolminorMachine shop providing CNC machining services and expertise
Scale indicators5 records
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Stanford Student Space Initiative (SSI): Stanford's student-run space organization with rocket, satellite, and propulsion sub-teams. Comparable to PURPL as a student-led space organization, though broader in scope and located in a different university ecosystem.
- Georgia Tech Space Systems Design Lab: Georgia Tech student-driven organization focused on space systems and propulsion research. Comparable to PURPL as a university-affiliated student propulsion effort, though more research- and competition-oriented than a sponsor-funded hands-on hot-fire lab.
Direct peers
- Cornell Rocketry Team: Cornell's undergraduate rocket team designing, building, and launching high-power rockets with active propulsion development. Comparable to PURPL as a student engineering organization with industry sponsorship and hands-on engine work.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Rocketry: Embry-Riddle's student propulsion and rocketry teams at multiple campuses, building and launching high-power rockets with aerospace industry ties. Comparable to PURPL as an aviation/aerospace-focused university propulsion organization.
- USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (USCRPL): USC's undergraduate student-run propulsion lab, focused on designing, building, and testing rocket engines at the university level. Closest direct analogue to PURPL given shared student-led propulsion mission, hot-fire test infrastructure, and aerospace sponsor base.
- MIT Rocket Team: MIT's student-run rocketry team working on high-power amateur rockets and propulsion experiments. Comparable to PURPL as a university club building and testing propulsion hardware with industry sponsor backing.
- CU Boulder Rocketry / Colorado Space Club: University of Colorado Boulder's student rocketry and propulsion efforts, including high-power rocketry teams and related aerospace student organizations. Directly comparable as a student propulsion club competing for similar aerospace sponsors.
- University of Michigan Multidisciplinary Design Program / MASA Rocketry: University of Michigan's student aerospace propulsion and rocketry efforts, including hybrid and liquid engine projects. Comparable to PURPL in mission, structure, and reliance on aerospace industry sponsors.
Broad incumbents
- Purdue Space Dynamics Lab (university research counterpart): Purdue's larger, faculty-led Space Dynamics Lab is on the same campus as PURPL and serves as an institutional sponsor/advisor relationship. Comparable as a propulsion/aerospace research organization sharing faculty, facilities, and sponsor ecosystem.
Others
- AIAA Student Chapters: AIAA's network of university student chapters provides the framework under which PURPL received its 2026 recognition. Comparable as an aerospace-focused student community ecosystem rather than a direct propulsion competitor.
Market position
Customer concentration
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] social profiles
Digital presencePURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab]
What does PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] do?
PURPL is a student-led propulsion engineering organization at Purdue University that designs, builds, and tests rocket and aerospace propulsion systems across seven research projects (turbopump, electric propulsion, turbojet, rotating detonation engine, pulsejet, air-breathing, and torch training) and operates three dedicated hot-fire test stand facilities (Biggie-K, Tachyon, and air-breathing). It provides Purdue undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on end-to-end propulsion engineering experience, from CAD design and manufacturing through hot-fire testing, funded by corporate aerospace sponsors.
Is PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] a public or private company?
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] founded?
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] was founded in 2024. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] based?
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] is headquartered in West Lafayette, United States, in the North America region.
How does PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] make money?
One revenue line is on record: sponsorship & Donations.
Who are PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab]'s main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Stanford Student Space Initiative (SSI) and Georgia Tech Space Systems Design Lab. Direct peers are Cornell Rocketry Team, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Rocketry, USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (USCRPL), MIT Rocket Team, CU Boulder Rocketry / Colorado Space Club and University of Michigan Multidisciplinary Design Program / MASA Rocketry. Purdue Space Dynamics Lab (university research counterpart) is listed as a broad incumbent. AIAA Student Chapters is listed as an others.
Does PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] have an API?
No public API is recorded for PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab].
What industry is PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab] in?
PURPL [Purdue Undergraduate Rocket Propulsion Lab]'s product category is Student Aerospace Propulsion Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABADAE, Rocket Engines (Liquid), with a secondary code of IMABADAN, Propulsion Test, Integration & Certification Services. Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 8734.