The 2026 application window CLOSED on September 24, 2025.

RockSat is a program for students to design, build, and fly a sounding rocket experiment on a Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket. Each experiment is integrated onto an aluminum deck that will be fully exposed to the space environment at apogee (150-170km) upon despin and skin ejection, providing a low-level microgravity environment to experimenters. Each experiment is provided with a power and customized timed events throughout the flight. RockSat is designed to be recovered after launch.

This is a competitive program and space on the rocket is limited. Depending on the available space, the most well-prepared and organized teams will be selected for flight. The RockSat User Guide describes the design constraints and interfaces (see document below).

RockSat engages students in a thorough design process, documented by design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) in the fall and testing and integration reviews (STR, ISTR, FMSR, VVC) in the spring. All manifested experiments must be delivered for testing and integration in late May. While faculty advising or industry partnership is encouraged for both programs, the work shall be done by the student participants. 

Questions regarding program details and IFF submission can be directed to: 

rocksatprogram@gmail.com