Members of the CyLaunch team headed back to Huntsville, Alabama, in April for the NASA Student Launch Competition. There, the team showcased their skills and resilience. Their participation was marked by both triumphs and challenges, highlighting the intense nature of the competition.
CyLaunch is a student rocketry team at Iowa State University that designs and builds a high-powered rocket for NASA’s Student Launch Competition, held each spring. The competition allows students to design, build, and test a rocket and payload in a competitive environment with schools nationwide.
In 2023, the team faced unexpected challenges and was directed to CIRAS for assistance. CIRAS provided the students with access to the necessary technologies to print parts of their rocket, as well as offering advice on the design and dedicating time to teaching students about Design for Manufacturability (DFM) techniques and strategies to help the students improve their overall project and save time when printing.
This spring, CIRAS was excited to see the 2024 CyLaunch team utilize information and resources from the year before to create their rocket.
One of the standout features of CyLaunch’s entry was their 3D-printed rocket, drawing significant interest from fellow competitors. Many were curious about the logistics of printing such large components, sparking conversations and inquiries about their innovative approach to rocket design.
However, the night before the launch brought its share of obstacles for the team. Technical glitches, including a fried barometer sensor and an unsoldered battery lead, threatened to derail their great efforts and time spent on their rocket. Yet, fueled by determination, the team engaged in a marathon session of troubleshooting and modifications until the early morning hours.
Despite these setbacks, CyLaunch rose to the occasion on launch day! With just a few hours of sleep, they managed to set up their rocket in record time and execute a successful launch.
With their rocket soaring to an impressive altitude of 4998 feet, a mere fraction short of their 5000-foot target, CyLaunch demonstrated their technical expertise and determination to succeed. This was a big deal for the team and a significant factor for the amount of points and the place the team will take.
After the competition, NASA allowed the team to fly their drone in front of the crowd, which was a memorable and neat experience for the team.
The Make to Innovate (M:2:I) program’s CyLaunch student rocketry team achieved unprecedented success. Securing second place overall in the University Student Launch Initiative competition, the team received a prestigious $2,500 monetary award. Additionally, their exceptional performance earned them the Altitude Award.
Watch the launch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XEfnsUGmU0&t=12333s
2:29.11 Launch!
3:20 Interview with CyLaunch team members
If you want to contribute to the team’s future successes, the donation form can be found here: http://www.foundation.iastate.edu/m2i.