Rose-Hulman Students Reach New Heights at Airport Rocket Launch
Dozens of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students gathered at Terre Haute Regional Airport on Saturday, October 24, to launch rockets, pursue high-power rocketry certification, and put their engineering skills into practice.
Built from cardboard tubes, 3D-printed components, and plywood, the rockets soared approximately 1,800 feet before deploying parachutes and landing in nearby fields. For students, the launches marked the culmination of build sessions, mentorship, and anticipation.
“It feels great; really exhilarating,” senior computer engineering major John Tansey said after successfully completing his team’s launch. “This thing’s been sitting on a shelf for a couple of months because we finished it close to the end of last year, so there was a lot of anticipation building. It was really nice to see the motor spark and go off.”
The event was the first under a new partnership between Terre Haute Regional Airport and Rose Rocketry, Rose-Hulman’s student-led rocketry club. The collaboration provides students with logistical support and access to airfield facilities to safely test equipment, collect flight metrics, and study aerodynamics in a professional aviation environment.
Saturday’s event primarily supported students working toward Level 1 certification, the entry-level certification in high-power rocketry. Rose Rocketry provides rocket kits, build sessions, and mentorship to help students prepare for launch.
Senior Maddy Alfeldt, who mentored students attempting their certification launches, also helped lay the groundwork for the airport partnership.
“Being able to partner with the Terre Haute Regional Airport is such an amazing opportunity, to actually come and launch a rocket on the tarmac and be so much closer to campus,” Alfeldt said. “We're super grateful for the opportunity. It's been a really cool to see a full circle moment.”
In previous years, students traveled to more distant launch fields, which limited participation. Access to a launch site closer to campus makes it easier for more students to take part.
“Hands-on learning is central to a Rose-Hulman education, and opportunities like this help students put their knowledge into practice from their first year,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. “We appreciate the Terre Haute Regional Airport’s partnership in bringing this experience closer to campus, making it easier for more students to participate, learn from mentors and build confidence in their engineering abilities.”
For Rose Rocketry president Thomas Gormley, a senior mechanical engineering major, the partnership also offers opportunities to encourage future students to explore technical fields.
“Rose Rocketry is extremely grateful for the partnership with Terre Haute Regional Airport, so that we may inspire new students to attend Rose-Hulman or students from local high schools to pursue a career in the aviation industry,” Gormley said.
The collaboration supports the Terre Haute Regional Airport Authority’s long-term vision to drive local economic growth through academic development, corporate aviation, and technical engineering talent in the Wabash Valley.
“We’re proud to partner with Rose-Hulman to create more opportunities for students interested in aerospace,” said Terre Haute Regional Airport President Dan Conley. “This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when community organizations work together to invest in our youth while strengthening our region’s aviation ecosystem.”
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