Propulsion & Launch Systems:

This team is responsible for delivering the rocket motor, which combusts propellant and creates the force that pushes the rocket up into the atmosphere. Their main challenge comes in providing an efficient, reliable and safe system for lofting the vehicle 25,000 ft above ground level.

 

Payload & Electronics:
This team provides the payload that will be carried by the rocket while it conducts worthwhile experiments. It also provides the electronics for the entire rocket vehicle and the ground station. Creating a payload that has true scientific value and meeting the electrical requirements of all the sub-teams are their main challenges.

 

Aerodynamics & Recovery:

This team conducts the flight simulations for the rocket and delivers a system for bringing the rocket down safely from apogee (max altitude) to ground level. Their focuses are to accurately model the dynamics of the rocket on its transonic path to apogee, and protecting all of the systems on board with a reliable system for landing the vehicle gently enough to be reusable. 

 

Structures & Integration:

This team ties the entire team's work together with a structure for the rocket that protects all of the subsystems and allows them to function nominally. They must work to characterize all of the transient forces, pressures, and temperatures the vehicle will encounter and provide a lightweight, efficient structure that survives all of them.