Rocketry Laboratory

The UChicago Space Program’s Rocketry Laboratory is split into two projects: High Powered Rocketry certification and Spaceport America Cup Launch Competition. Developed and led entirely by UChicago undergraduates with advisors from the Northern Illinois Rocketry Association and alums, this pipeline ensures students gain the hands-on rocketry experience they need to compete competitively in launch competitions.

Projects

High Power Rocketry

In partnership with the Northern Illinois Rocketry Association (NIRA) and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), students learn about, design, and build L1 and L2 class high-powered rockets. Students then test fly these rockets at launch sites across rural Illinois, where they receive a certification upon completion. This dually enables them to buy and fly larger rocket engines while providing the invaluable pedigree to be applied to other rocketry laboratory projects.

Upcoming Launch Schedule

2024-07-24 12:00 AM @ Chicago, IL

2024-07-25 2:30 PM @ Vandenberg AFB, CA

2024-07-26 7:45 AM @ Kennedy Space Center, FL

2024-07-27 11:15 PM @ Wallops Island, VA

2024-07-28 6:00 AM @ Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

2024-07-29 9:00 PM @ Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

2024-07-30 4:30 PM @ Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China

2024-07-31 1:15 AM @ Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India

2024-08-01 8:45 PM @ Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

2024-08-02 12:00 PM @ Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia

Spaceport America

From June 9 - 14th 2025, UCSP will be competing in the intercollegiate rocketry competition in the 10k off the shelf category. The team is split into three primary subteams: Payload, Avionics/Recovery, and Structure/Propulsion. Under the guidance of NIRA a L3 class high power rocket will be built for the competition.