ROLLA – Gavin Boehme, a senior in mechanical engineering from Altenburg, was part of Missouri University of Science and Technology’s Rocket Design Team, which made university history with the successful launch in June of their liquid-fueled rocket, Phoenix.
According to the team, they are the 15th team in the United States and the 20th worldwide to launch a student-built liquid-fueled rocket. Phoenix soared to an altitude of 21,437 feet, just over four miles, and achieved a speed of Mach 1, the speed of sound. The 13-foot-long rocket weighed 120 pounds when fully loaded.
Twenty-four students traveled to the Friends of Amateur Rocketry launch site, located north of Edwards Air Force Base in California. In addition to Phoenix, the team brought Phantom, a solid rocket. Solid rockets function more like fireworks, while liquid rockets require a mix of a liquid fuel and an oxidizer, lit by a small solid motor. The liquids must be mixed in the right ratio at the right time to generate the thrust that powers the rocket.
“They’re much more hands-on when it comes to launching, as we have to do a lot more than just hit a button that lights the motor,” says Natalie Ridenhour, chief executive officer of the team for 2024-25. “Many different pieces and systems go into getting a liquid rocket off the ground.”
While most other teams have opportunities to test their complete designs throughout the year, the Rocket Design Team must travel to sites like the Friends of Amateur Rocketry to safely launch their full projects. Individual components, such as motors, can be tested independently, but seeing how everything works together requires a full-scale launch.
While preparing for Phoenix’s launch, the team discovered a faulty valve that needed replacement. The liquid nitrous oxide leaking from the valve was so cold that ice was forming on it, even in 100-degree heat. Although Phoenix launched successfully, the solid rocket Phantom wasn’t as fortunate. Its motor over-pressurized, causing the rocket to experience a catastrophe at takeoff.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time on this team, it’s that if something can go wrong at the launch site, it will,” says Ridenhour. “By bringing team members out to launches, we’re able to pass on problem-solving skills to future team leaders.”
Other students who traveled to assist with the launch were Logan Beadle, a sophomore in aerospace engineering from St. Louis; Peyton Beeles, a junior in aerospace engineering from Collinsville, Ill.; Aron Cole, a junior in aerospace engineering from High Ridge; Noah Damery, a senior in aerospace engineering from Saint Joseph; Austin Doan, a senior in chemical engineering from Saint Charles; John Dunn, a senior in chemical engineering from Fulton; Alexander Gore, a senior in aerospace engineering from O’Fallon; Brandown Hawkins, a sophomore in mechanical engineering from Kingwood, Texas; Peter Leimer, a senior in aerospace engineering from Kansas City; Isaac Lough, a sophomore in aerospace engineering from Washington; Dillon Mayberry, a sophomore in aerospace engineering from O’Fallon; Eric Miranda, a senior in aerospace engineering from St. Louis; Jack O’Hara, a sophomore in aerospace engineering from Collinsville, Ill.; Natalie Ridenhour, a senior in engineering management from Wentzville; Justin Riegerix, a senior in aerospace engineering from Rolla; Carter Rowlett, a junior in aerospace engineering from Boonville; Nathan Roy, a senior in aerospace engineering from Lee’s Summit; Landon Sparrow, a senior in engineering management from Willow City, Texas; Ethan Spirer, a senior in mechanical engineering from Dardenne Prairie; Austin Spyrnal who recently earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Saint Peters; Rakshak Sudhakaran, a senior in aerospace engineering from O’Fallon; Keegan Wade, a sophomore in aerospace engineering from Farmington; and Jacob Williams, a senior in aerospace engineering from Fenton.
About design teams
Design teams are registered student organizations that operate as 501(c) non-profit businesses. The teams work like small startup companies, bringing together students from different disciplines to work on large-scale projects. In addition to hands-on design and manufacturing experience, students gain experience in project management, fundraising, public relations and more. For more information, visit design.mst.edu.
