USC Students Set Amateur Rocket Record, Launch to 470,000 Feet
A team of students from the University of Southern California (USC) set a new record for the highest amateur rocket launch. Their rocket, Aftershock II, soared to an altitude of 470,000 feet, which is over 89 miles above Earth.
The USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory launched Aftershock II on October 20 in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Data from the rocket’s onboard systems confirmed its record-breaking altitude and a maximum speed of 3,602 mph.
Ryan Kraemer, the executive engineer of the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and a mechanical engineering student, highlighted the achievement as a series of engineering milestones. He noted that Aftershock II utilizes the most powerful solid-propellant motor ever fired by students. It also features the most powerful composite case motor built by amateurs.
How has the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory evolved since the launch of Traveler IV?
Interview with Ryan Kraemer, Executive Engineer of the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory
News Directory 3: Congratulations on the remarkable achievement with Aftershock II! Can you tell us more about the significance of this record-breaking launch?
Ryan Kraemer: Thank you! This launch is significant not just because of the altitude we reached—470,000 feet, which is over 89 miles—but because it represents a culmination of years of hard work and engineering innovation by our team. We’ve set new standards for what student groups can accomplish in aerospace engineering.
News Directory 3: That’s impressive! What were some of the key features that enabled Aftershock II to achieve such a high altitude?
Ryan Kraemer: Aftershock II was powered by the most powerful solid-propellant motor ever used by students. Furthermore, we designed and built the most powerful composite case motor by amateur teams. These advancements in our propulsion technology were instrumental in achieving such a high altitude and a top speed of 3,602 mph.
News Directory 3: What challenges did your team face during the design and launch of Aftershock II?
Ryan Kraemer: One major challenge was ensuring the structural integrity of the rocket at such high speeds and altitudes. We had to conduct extensive testing and simulations to predict the stresses the rocket would encounter. Additionally, coordinating logistics for the launch in the remote Black Rock Desert presented its own set of obstacles. Ultimately, every challenge was a learning opportunity for our students.
News Directory 3: Can you share how this launch builds on the achievements of the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, particularly the previous Traveler IV rocket?
Ryan Kraemer: Absolutely! In 2019, Traveler IV marked a historic milestone as the first successful student spaceshot, reaching over 64 miles in altitude. Aftershock II builds on that achievement exponentially. It showcases our growth as a lab, not only in terms of the technology we’re able to employ but also in the experience our students gain through each project.
News Directory 3: What’s next for the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory following this landmark achievement?
Ryan Kraemer: We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of student rocket launches. We plan to analyze the data collected during Aftershock II’s flight, which will inform our future designs. We’re also exploring ideas for new missions and potential collaborations with industry partners to expand our capabilities even further.
News Directory 3: It sounds like an exciting time for your team! Any final thoughts you want to share?
Ryan Kraemer: Just that I’m extremely proud of our team’s dedication and teamwork. This achievement not only highlights what students can do when they dream big but also serves as inspiration for the next generation of engineers and scientists. We believe this is just the beginning!
In 2019, the USC lab previously launched the Traveler IV rocket, which made history as the first successful student spaceshot, reaching an altitude of over 64 miles.