Simulate
Model thrust, stability margin, and predicted apogee before any hardware is cut.
Amateur Rocketry Program
ARMSTRONG is where engineering meets ignition. Members design, build, and fly progressively more capable rockets — mastering propulsion, aerodynamics, and recovery while working toward high-power certification through real flight testing.
Mission Overview
ARMSTRONG runs on iteration. Every vehicle is a complete engineering problem — from propulsion and stability to recovery and structures — and every flight produces data that drives the next design.
Members progress from foundational model rockets toward high-power vehicles, building the analysis, fabrication, and flight-operations skills that define real aerospace work.
Program Progression
Members advance through defined tiers — each one unlocking larger motors, more complex vehicles, and greater design responsibility.
Tier 0 · Foundations
Low-power model rockets to learn stability, construction, and safe launch procedures.
Tier 1 · Level 1
First high-power certification flight on H–I class motors with single-deploy recovery.
Tier 2 · Level 2
Larger J–L motors, dual-deploy electronics, and a written aerospace knowledge exam.
Tier 3 · Advanced
Full high-power vehicles with redundant avionics, documented design, and review.
Rocket Systems
Engineering Process
Model thrust, stability margin, and predicted apogee before any hardware is cut.
Machine, laminate, and assemble the airframe, fins, and recovery bay to spec.
Validate altimeters, ejection charges, and recovery deployment on the ground.
Launch under a formal flight card with recovery and tracking in place.
Retrieve the vehicle, inspect for damage, and download flight data.
Compare predicted vs. actual performance and feed lessons into the next build.
Flight Testing
Onboard avionics turn every launch into a dataset. Altitude, velocity, and acceleration traces are reviewed against simulation to verify the vehicle behaved as designed.
Launch Operations
Pre-flight
Stability check, motor selection, recovery packing, and a documented flight card.
Setup
Rail alignment, igniter installation, and range-safety clearance before arming.
Launch
Controlled countdown, ignition, and tracking through boost and coast.
Post-flight
Locate, recover, and debrief — closing the loop on the engineering cycle.
ARMSTRONG welcomes all students ready to design, build, and fly real rockets.
Join the program