2023 NASA Student Launch Competition Winners Announced

2023 NASA Student Launch Competition Winners Announced

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.

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