LACE-1 | ISG Propulsion R&D

CNC Plasma Cutting

SFU Rocketry is developing LACE — the Laminated Active Cooling Engine — a new approach to regenerative cooling built around stackable, CNC-cut plates. By slicing the engine into cross-sectional layers of varying thickness, we can design internal cooling channels directly into each plate. These plates are then assembled, bonded (welded), and finish-machined into a complete thrust chamber with internal flow paths that would be impossible to produce using conventional subtractive methods.

This approach allows for highly optimized cooling geometries, better thermal performance, and lower manufacturing complexity compared to traditional regenerative cooling. It also makes use of existing in-house fabrication tools like CNC plasma cutting, reducing the cost and turnaround time typically associated with regen engines.

LACE represents a major step toward high-performance, flight-ready propulsion systems — and serves as a proving ground for advanced cooling designs that will carry over into future mission-class engines.

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First Hotfire Test: November 2025