Mission
To develop advanced propulsion and aerospace technologies that expand the capabilities of flight, exploration, and operations beyond Earth.
Who we are
MAProLab was founded on the belief that meaningful aerospace innovation requires more than strong concepts. It requires rigorous engineering, practical testing, and continuous validation. Our approach combines analytical modeling, experimental research, hardware development, and real-world testing to transform ideas into operational technologies.
Our current efforts focus on advancing solid propulsion systems with improved controllability and mission flexibility while preserving the reliability, compactness, and operational simplicity that have made solid propulsion a cornerstone of aerospace engineering. By treating propulsion as part of a larger engineering ecosystem, we are developing technologies that support both current aerospace applications and future operational capabilities.
As the company grows, MAProLab aims to expand beyond propulsion into broader aerospace systems and technologies that contribute to sustained operations beyond Earth.
Approach
We combine analytical rigor, experimental validation, and hands-on engineering to transform concepts into operational technologies. Every stage of development, from modeling and design to testing and performance evaluation, is guided by measurable results, practical experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Our philosophy is simple: design, build, test, learn, and improve. By grounding innovation in data and real-world performance, we seek to develop technologies that are both ambitious and practical.
Founder
MAProLab was founded by Leonardo Borchert, an aerospace engineer whose experience spans propulsion development, systems engineering, applied research, and technical leadership.
Throughout his career, Leonardo has focused on transforming engineering concepts into functional hardware through analysis, testing, and iterative development. His experience includes propulsion system design, aerospace vehicle development, instrumentation, experimental testing, and the leadership of multidisciplinary engineering projects.
As Propulsion Division Lead for the George Washington University Rocket Team, Leonardo led propulsion development efforts that culminated in George Washington University's first successful dual-stage rocket mission. His work introduced new approaches to in-flight propulsion performance analysis and helped advance the university's capabilities in propulsion system design, testing, and flight operations.
Leonardo also served as Project Manager for the development of an altitude-targeting rocket system featuring an actively controlled airbrake. The project integrated propulsion, avionics, controls, structures, manufacturing, and mission planning into a single flight platform designed to actively influence vehicle performance during ascent. Successfully developing and validating an active aerodynamic control system represented one of the university's most technically demanding aerospace capstone projects and further strengthened his expertise in systems engineering, project management, and multidisciplinary aerospace development.
In parallel, Leonardo conducted engineering research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), contributing to projects involving advanced materials, semiconductor packaging, quantum photonic devices, and computational modeling. These experiences reinforced the principles of rigorous experimentation, measurement accuracy, and data-driven engineering that continue to guide MAProLab today.