NASA has announced the winners of the 2023 Student Launch competition, with the University of Alabama in Huntsville taking the top honors. This exciting event brought together over 800 students from across the United States and Puerto Rico, who gathered at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on April 15 to launch their high-powered amateur rockets.
In the months leading up to the competition, student teams ranging from middle school to university level were tasked with designing, building, and launching rockets that could reach altitudes between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. Each rocket was also required to successfully land while carrying out a scientific or engineering payload mission.
"Our students bring fresh perspectives and innovative technologies to tackle the real-world challenges of space exploration," remarked Kevin McGhaw, director of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement – Southeast Region. "As we celebrate the 23rd year of Student Launch, we are proud to nurture the next generation of engineers and explorers who will support NASA’s Artemis missions."
Highlights of the 2023 Student Launch Competition
Overall Winners
1st Place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
2nd Place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
3rd Place: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
3D Printing Award
College Level: 1st Place - Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - East Aurora High School, East Aurora, New York
Altitude Award
College Level: 1st Place - Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Spring Grove Area High School, Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
Best-Looking Rocket Award
College Level: 1st Place - North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Cedar Falls High School, Iowa
Innovative Payload Award
College Level: 1st Place - University of Alabama in Huntsville
Judges’ Choice Award
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Project Review Award
College Level: 1st Place - University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Reusable Launch Vehicle Award
College Level: 1st Place - New York University, New York
Rookie Award
College Level: 1st Place - United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
Safety Award
College Level: 1st Place - University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Social Media Award
College Level: 1st Place - University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Morris County 4-H Rocketry Club, Morris County, New Jersey
STEM Engagement Award
College Level: 1st Place - Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Service Academy Award
1st Place: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
Vehicle Design Award
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Yamhill Carlton Rocketry, Yamhill, Oregon
Payload Design Award
Middle/High School Level: 1st Place - Portland Rocketry, Portland, Oregon
The Student Launch competition is part of NASA’s Artemis Student Challenges, which aim to harness student creativity in alignment with NASA’s mission to return to the Moon and prepare for human exploration of Mars. "Students are required to meet complex requirements and high expectations, literally," noted Fred Kepner, an education program specialist and activity lead for Student Launch at Marshall.
Navigated by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement – Southeast Region, the Student Launch initiative receives support from NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate and the Next Gen STEM project, along with contributions from partners such as Northrup Grumman and the National Space Club Huntsville.