LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Students from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol Group NM-079 recently concluded a series of rocket launches at Spaceport America on . The event, coordinated with the NMSU competition rocketry team, the Atomic Aggies, provided a valuable opportunity for both collegiate and cadet rocketry enthusiasts to test their designs and gain practical experience.
The launches were spearheaded in part by Joshua Davila, a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student at NMSU who also serves as President and Solid Propulsions Lead for the Atomic Aggies, NAR Section #982. Davila actively sought to broaden participation, inviting seven American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) teams from across the region to utilize the Spaceport America facilities for preliminary launches. “We, the Atomic Aggies, are incredibly proud of the growing community of local rocketry enthusiasts we are building connections with,” Davila stated. “We’re thrilled to have local American rocketry challenge teams joining us for launches at Spaceport America.”
The NMSU contingent participating in the launches represented the Atomic Aggies Rocketry Team. A significant outcome of the event was the achievement of Level 1 certifications from the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) by ten team members, earned through successful launches reaching altitudes of up to 1,700 feet. Of the eleven rockets launched ten flights were deemed successful.
The Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol team, led by Lt. Col. Michael O’Dell, utilized the launches to conduct three test flights, crucial preparatory work for their participation in the upcoming American Rocketry Challenge (ARC). The ARC, described as the world’s largest student rocket competition, will see over 1,100 middle and high school teams competing at the Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, Virginia, in .
“The annual American Rocketry Challenge provides our Civil Air Patrol cadets a five-month long hands-on science and engineering challenge, and they love it,” O’Dell commented, highlighting the educational value of the competition and the practical skills gained by the cadets.
Spaceport America, located in southern New Mexico, has increasingly become a hub for student rocketry programs, offering a unique environment for testing and development. The facility provides access to a controlled airspace and specialized infrastructure not readily available elsewhere, fostering innovation and advancement in the field of amateur rocketry.
The collaboration between NMSU and the Civil Air Patrol underscores a growing trend of partnerships between academic institutions and youth organizations to promote STEM education. These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists by providing hands-on learning experiences and fostering a passion for space exploration.
The American Rocketry Challenge, in particular, plays a vital role in this effort. By challenging students to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets, the competition encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork – skills essential for success in STEM fields. The challenge’s emphasis on practical application complements traditional classroom learning, providing students with a tangible understanding of aerospace principles.
The success of the recent launches at Spaceport America demonstrates the potential for continued growth in student rocketry programs. The availability of facilities like Spaceport America, coupled with the dedication of educators and mentors like Davila and O’Dell, is creating a fertile ground for innovation and inspiring a new wave of aspiring aerospace professionals. The event also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between universities, youth organizations, and industry partners in fostering STEM education and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
The focus on preliminary launches, as highlighted by Davila’s invitation to ARC teams, suggests a strategic approach to maximizing the benefits of Spaceport America’s resources. By providing a testing ground for early-stage designs, the event helps teams refine their rockets and increase their chances of success at the national competition. This emphasis on preparation and iterative improvement is a hallmark of effective engineering practices.
The achievement of Level 1 NAR certifications by ten NMSU students is a testament to the quality of the Atomic Aggies’ training program and the dedication of its members. These certifications demonstrate a foundational understanding of rocketry principles and safe launch procedures, paving the way for more advanced projects and participation in higher-level competitions.
The involvement of the Civil Air Patrol further broadens the reach of these educational initiatives. As a volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol plays a crucial role in promoting aerospace education and inspiring young people to pursue careers in aviation and related fields. The ARC provides a particularly valuable platform for cadets to apply their knowledge and develop leadership skills.
