In its simplest form, a rocket is an explosion. Getting to space requires casting flammable, explosive, shock-sensitive, and toxic materials into a mold, then setting them on fire. Our job is to make this explosion a controlled one. Specifically, our materials need to be chosen to burn fast enough to get the rocket off the ground, but slowly enough to avoid exploding. This requires balancing temperature, pressure, and fuel ratios inside the combustion chamber. The MARS Fuel and Combustion Chamber Team works to develop a fuel composition and geometry that will get the rocket to space on an optimal flight path. We also work to refine a set of procedures for safe handling of the fuel as we conduct tests and eventually cast it into the motor casing for launch.