Make to Innovate (M:2:I)
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PROJECT MISSION

The mission of Cy Launch is to launch a fully 3D-printed rocket and payload device in the NASA USLI (University Student Launch Initiative) competition to an altitude of 5,500 feet AGL, transmit all payload mission data points to the NASA receiver, and successfully recover all rocket sections with negligible damage.

CyLaunch Team, 2024-2025

Project Goals 

3-D print and assemble a full-scale rocket that contains an innovative airbrakes system with angled plates and a complementary payload device. The finished payload will feature four “STEMnaut” astronauts (non-living objects representing astronauts) seated in the capsule near the rocket’s nosecone.  

Incorporate outreach efforts into their work by including and engaging students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in CyLaunch engagement events.
 
At the end of this semester, Cy Launch hopes to conduct a successful vehicle demonstration launch and flight analysis report. Along with the launch, the team will provide a Critical Design Review report and Flight Readiness Review that detail the finalized design of the full-scale rocket, payload device, airbrakes system and manufacturing process.
 
Overview of Goals: 
  • 250 K-12 students participating in STEM Engagement events
  • Successfully complete the first vehicle demonstration launch in early March
  • Successfully complete the payload demonstration launch in late March to early April
  • Perform the final design review to a panel of NASA scientists, engineers, and safety officers

Project Deliverables

  1. 1. NASA Student Launch Competition Flight in Toney, Alabama  
  2. 2. Vehicle and Payload Demonstration Flights 
  3. 3. Critical Design Review report detailing the finalized design of the full-scale rocket, payload device, and airbrakes system.
  4. 4. Flight Readiness Review and Flight Readiness Review Addendum report detailing the manufacturing processes and as-built rocket, payload device, and airbrakes system. 
  5. 5. Successful vehicle demonstration launch and flight analysis report. 

Next Steps

The team is looking to continue building, refining, and developing their skills in the 3-D printing and rocketry design realm. They will compete in the 25th annual Student Launch Challenge starting on April 30, 2025. Final launches are scheduled for May 3, at Bragg Farms in Toney, Alabama, just minutes north of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This launch kicks off at 8:20 a.m. CDT on Saturday, May 3. Tune in to watch CyLaunch live!