Projects
2020 - 2021
Due to COVID-19 we are continuing to work on our rocket for the Space Grant High Powered Rocketry Competition, known as The Concept. We are also working on a new rocket for new members to gain experience, known as The Loophole. In addition to the rocketry competition, we are also planning to host the 2021 AIAA Region V Student Paper Conference at the University of Iowa in April.
2019 - 2020
We are currently working to compete in the Minnesota Space Grant High Powered Rocketry Competition. The competion launch date is May 16, 2020.
2018 - 2019
We constructed a 4.5 foot dual deploy rocket. Buildingit with all our new memberes has been a great ecperience and has given us the skills needed to attend a high powered rocketry competition in the future.
2016 - 2017
We participated in the Space Grant Midwest High-Power Rocketry competition. the goal was to build a rocket that was able to launch to the same height using two different class motors. Since one of the motors was 10x more powerful than the other, it was necessary to dampen the achievable height of the more powerful motor. To accomplish this, we used a small mass of aluminum. This added weight to the rocket and allowed it to closely approach the height reached by the weaker motor.
2015-2016 Space Grant Midwest High-Power Rocketry Competition
During 2016, one of the University of Iowa AIAA student teams designed and constructed a single-stage rocket and a robotic launch system that competed in the Student Launch Initiative (SLI) hosted by NASA. Another team participated in the the Minnesota Space Grant Rocketry Competition. The goal of that launch was to build an active drag system that could be deployed mid-flight to slow the rocket.
2014-2015 Space Grant Midwest High-Power Rocketry Competition
During 2015 University of Iowa AIAA student team designed and constructed a high-power “boosted dart” (essentially a 2-stage rocket with no motor in the upper stage which drag-separate after motor burn-out) for a competition held in Minnesota. The team competed with other schools from around the U.S. and plans to continue this competition on to the 2015-2016 year. Here is a Video of the 2015 High Powered Rocket Launch
Weather Balloon
This project is a recognized tradition of the University of Iowa AIAA student chapter. Under the guidance of Professor Albert Ratner, this project involves sending a weather balloon into the sky and collect geographical, topological, and ecological data of the area surrounding Iowa City. Weather Balloon launches are opened to the general public, so be sure to attend the next launch! (Date TBD) Here is a video of 2012 Ballon Launch