Rocket Engineering Senior Design Team at Colorado State

The 2022–2023 CSU Competition Rocket Team is an interdisciplinary team composed of senior Mechanical Engineers. We are tasked with designing and building a rocket to launch at the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) as a part of the larger Spaceport America Cup in June of 2023 for our senior design project.

The Spaceport America Cup is the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket engineering conference and competition. Last year, over 1,700 students and faculty from 150+ institutions across the world gathered in southern New Mexico to compete at the world-class spaceport facility. This competition offers a once in a lifetime experience for the team to compete against the best and brightest individuals and collaborate with industry representatives.

This year’s team is looking to have a successful rocket compete at the Spaceport America Cup under the liquid propellant division with improvements upon last year’s design. Our goal is to launch an ethanol-nitrous oxide fueled rocket to 10,000 ft before having a successful recovery and landing. This type of rocket is one that provides great industry experience and is heavily desired by aerospace companies for incoming full-time employees. The team this year has a goal of competing in a much more challenging division to tackle, not only of having a successful static fire for a liquid design, but also bringing this rocket to competition.

The IREC team is very much committed to the program and are thankful for our donors. Most of the team’s budget comes from external donors, including private businesses and individuals. In order to design and build a highly competitive rocket to bring to competition, a great amount of time and money is required. With that being said, every donation is genuinely appreciated and will be used to its potential. Without the support of donors like you, this team would not exist to increase intuition and aptitude among members and students looking to join the team in the years to come.

All gifts will make an impact on the Rocket Team's success! The giving levels to the right provide examples of what your generous donation can accomplish! All gifts will support the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Practicum fund at CSU.