NOLA Rocketry

NASA-USLI Competition

The NASA University Student Launch Initiative project is a nine-month challenge inviting student teams from across the U.S. to design, build, test, and launch a high-powered rocket with a scientific or engineering payload. This hands-on, research-driven engineering activity concludes each year with a final launch event in Huntsville, Alabama, at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The program includes multiple challenges that engage a broad audience, from colleges and universities to middle and high school students nationwide.

Students from Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering at the University of New Orleans have recently established the organization known as New Orleans Rocketry, and they recently got accepted into the competition, being the only team in Louisiana to compete. This organization needs your support to reach for the stars to continue forward in the prestigious NASA Student-Launch Challenge in Huntsville, AL. Until May 19th, these talented students aims to design and launch a competitive rocket, proudly representing the University of New Orleans on the national stage with 52 other Universities, and 18 highschool teams. Here is a cost breakdown presented by the team, where the funds will be placed into categories.

The Team

The Structures group is a team of students that work on the design and construction of the rocket. This includes software tools such as CAD, OpenRocket, etc.

The Recovery group is a team that focuses on the recovery of the rocket while following NASA’s specified landing criteria.

The Payload group is a team that tackles NASA’s yearly payload challenge, ultimately developing and integrating a successful payload into the rocket.

Our team is composed of 30 dedicated students from diverse engineering disciplines, including Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical, as well as Computer Science and more. Beyond competing in Huntsville, the NOLA Rocketry team aspires to foster a vibrant community of space enthusiasts on campus. They plan to visit the local Michoud Assembly Facility and other space centers, host monthly meetings, and participate in bi-monthly observatory days, among many other exciting activities. The team also plans to be involved in the community, starting with their participation at the local Children's hospital, where the children will help them decorate their rocket.

Our Vision

We envision a future where UNO's NOLA Rocketry paves the way for innovation and excellence in space exploration here on our New Orleans' campus. Your support will help these aspiring engineers, and future teams, turn their dreams into reality, contribute to groundbreaking research, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Why Support Us?

By supporting UNO's NOLA Rocketry, you're not just funding a project—you're investing in the future of space exploration and STEM education. Your contributions will empower these students to achieve their goals, represent UNO on a national stage, and inspire countless others to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Donate today and be a part of something extraordinary! 🚀✨