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Overview
Overview
The NASA Student Launch Initiative Competition is a annual engineering competition that is designed to introduce topics related to High-Powered Rocketry to students across the nation. Each year, NASA challenges rocketry teams to design, build, and launch a rocket with a desired payload up to a mile into the sky. This 8-month program is used to introduced students to the engineering design life cycle program, mirroring the activities of the space flight program. The challenges of the payload and rocketry competition include achieving a target altitude during flight, creating an autonomous flight and recovery system, performing a onboard experiment, and fabricating the rocket to be reusable. This competition aids NASA by providing students with exposure and increased understanding of the field to further support Space Launch Systems.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The purpose of JMU NASA Student Launch Team is to complete the desired mission outlined by NASA in the NASA Student Launch Handbook for the competition year. We will be challenged to design and fabricate a high powered rocketing, engineering payload, and conduct STEM outreach.
Project Purpose
Project Purpose
The NASA Student Launch Initiative Project was proposed as a capstone project by engineering students at James Madison University. This proposal was based on the interest and desire to prepare for Aerospace Engineering Fields and allow the opportunity to demonstrate and learn different topics and skills that are not generally taught within the curriculum. This marks the second year this project is being continued and highlights the value and importance of student-driven projects that foster creativity and self-motivation within a learning environment.
Project Scope
Project Scope
We are participating in NASA Student Launch Competition. A handbook is provided and details all deliverables and milestones we need to make to participate. Our key deliverable is to build a functional, tested, and reusable rocket capable of caring the desired payload and autonomously perform a successful flight and recovery system based on the team's success criteria.
Project Deliverables
Project Deliverables
Complete the Proposal Submission
Complete the Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
Complete the Critical Design Review (CDR)
Complete the STEM Engagement Activity Report
Complete the Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
Complete the Flight Readiness Review Addendum
Complete the Launch Readiness Review (LRR)
Launch the Full-Scale Rocket in Huntsville, AL.
Complete the Post-Launch Assessment Review (PLAR)
How to Support
How to Support
Our team aims to successfully design, build, and launch a scientific payload on a high-powered rocket in the 2026 NASA Student Launch Competition
Our sponsors help us thrive by allowing us to build, test, and launch more successful and ambitious rockets.
The 2025-2026 outreach plan is built on a strong foundation of community partnerships, inclusive education, and a clear commitment to NASA’s mission. By reaching students from elementary school through university and beyond, the team aims not only to meet the participation goal but to make a lasting impact on the next generation of STEM leaders. The team has identified several key opportunities to connect with the community and build awareness of both rocketry and NASA’s Artemis mission. Each engagement event is centered around the engineering design process, something the team will use extensively throughout the competition.
Please use the link below to donate and please put "JMU Rocketry" in the special gift instructions.
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