SBU Rocket Team
CompletedNASA Student Launch Initiative - Launched May 1st, 2025, reaching 4,700 feet altitude with full payload recovery
Project Overview
Part of the SBU Rocket Team, affiliated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) chapter at Stony Brook University. Our team completed NASA's prestigious Student Launch Initiative, achieving 24th place out of 53 teams with our 105-inch, 21-pound rocket that reached 4,700 feet altitude.
Technical Challenges
Altitude Precision
Achieved 4,700 feet against declared target of 5,100 feet, demonstrating design accuracy within competition constraints.
Payload Integration
Transported and recovered STEMNaut payload with telemetry data collection throughout flight.
Competition Results
Ranked 24th out of 53 teams in NASA SLI, meeting design freeze requirements and maintaining consistent aerodynamic properties from subscale to full-scale testing.
Project Gallery
Full-Scale Rocket
Development Process
Payload Systems
Technology & Tools
Project Contributions
Vehicle Team Specialist
Motor selection and RockSim simulation specialist responsible for trajectory analysis and performance optimization. Coordinated launch day assembly and inter-team communication to ensure proper execution.
Payload Team Support
Supported payload team with sensor data compilation, memory leak resolution, and multithreading implementation using mutex for global variable access in telemetry system.
Launch Results & Lessons
Performance Metrics
Achieved 4,700 feet altitude (92% of 5,100 feet target) with 105-inch, 21-pound full-scale rocket maintaining design consistency from subscale testing.
Design Challenges
Experienced early parachute deployment due to softened shear pin holes from pre-launch demonstrations, missing descent time requirement.
Competition Standing
Placed 24th out of 53 teams in NASA SLI with successful payload recovery.
Mission Complete
Launched May 1st, 2025 in Alabama, achieving 4,700 feet altitude with full STEMNaut payload recovery through cross-team coordination and motor selection optimization for NASA's Student Launch Initiative.