What can our GPU servers be used for? That’s right—to launch rockets into space.
The student initiative Elara Aerospace from Munich aims to launch a liquid-fueled rocket into space and be the first student initiative in the world to do so.
One thing is certain, though: they have to do a lot of research and development. A large part of this involves virtual simulations and engine tests. This requires not only engineering expertise but also computing power.
Elara Aerospace uses our GEX44 GPU server for these calculations. But the team also relies on our infrastructure in other areas.
Starlight: the student-built liquid-propellant rocket set to break three world records
The rocket is designed to surpass the 100-kilometer mark — the Kármán line, which is commonly used to define the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. It’s a Methalox rocket, a name derived from its propellants: liquid methane and liquid oxygen (LOX). And the rocket is designed to be reusable, too.
The fact that this initiative is anything but a casual student project is reflected in the three ambitious world records the team is aiming to break:
- The first student-built rocket with liquid propulsion to reach an altitude of more than 100 kilometers.
- The heaviest student-built rocket ever launched — weighing around one tonne and measuring 10 meters in length.
- The most powerful rocket engine with electric turbopumps ever built.
The numbers behind the project speak for themselves: nearly 40 team members and a fundraising campaign with a target of half a million euros.
This passion-driven project is already a success story. It shows what students can achieve with technical expertise, perseverance, and a clear vision.
So how does Hetzner support them in building their rocket?
Scientific simulations: why a standard PC isn't enough
To ensure that nothing goes wrong during the actual flight, the group must test as much as possible on a computer beforehand. That is exactly what simulations are for: using specialized software, the team tests materials, airflow, and pressure conditions inside the engine.
In complex 3D simulations, the team processes massive amounts of data that would quickly overwhelm a standard desktop computer. Three things are particularly important here: plenty of computing power, a powerful GPU, and a high-performance processor. The greater the performance, the faster the team can run simulations. This, in turn, shortens development cycles.
Instead of purchasing and maintaining expensive high-end hardware themselves, the group relies on servers built specifically for such workloads.
GPU-accelerated simulation with CUDA: why the right hardware matters
For its simulations, Elara Aerospace chose the GEX44 GPU server. The server is equipped with the NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada generation and 20 GB of VRAM. This provides exactly the computing power the team needs for its applications.
Another key factor is the NVIDIA GPU with CUDA architecture. Many simulation programs are specifically designed for CUDA. This is a technology developed by NVIDIA that is only available on their graphics cards.
With this setup, the team can perform precise thermal and fluid simulations—that is, calculations involving temperature fields, pressure distributions, and fluid flows.
Affordable workstation from the Server Auction: one shared workspace for the whole team
Many of the programs Elara Aerospace uses run on Windows and require significant processing power. This is particularly problematic for Mac users or team members who don’t have powerful computers of their own. The solution: a central workstation that everyone can access—including for organizational tools such as the ERP system or password management.
The workstation runs on a bare metal server from Hetzner. The most important factor was ensuring that the applications run smoothly.
The team found what they were looking for on the Hetzner Server Auction. There, we auction off used dedicated servers—which we have thoroughly tested beforehand—at particularly attractive prices. It’s a Dutch auction: the price drops gradually until someone buys. If you’re patient, you can score some real deals here.
Save money with refurbished servers
Catch your refurbished dedicated servers in our server auction with decreasing prices and zero setup costs.
Hosting in Europe: GDPR-compliant storage for sensitive research data
Tests and research generate confidential data: design details of individual components, simulation results, and internal know-how. It is therefore crucial that this data is protected on the servers and subject to data protection regulations. A hosting provider based in Germany is particularly well-suited for such purposes.
The servers are located in Germany and Finland, ensuring that the data remains within the scope of the GDPR. This creates a clear framework: Elara Aerospace decides what happens to their data—and this is done in accordance with high European standards.
Then there is the technology behind all this data protection. Hetzner operates an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS) and secures its locations in multiple ways: with access controls and round-the-clock video surveillance. Sensitive research data is therefore in good hands here.
A true success story
We are constantly impressed by the ways people use our servers—but launching a rocket into space is something special for us, even after nearly 30 years in business.
What connects us to Elara Aerospace is not only the technical side of the project, but also the commitment to pursuing ambitious ideas with conviction and never settling for mediocrity.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the team and looking forward to the day Starlight takes off.
