UNSW Rocketry

ABOUT US

At UNSW Rocketry, we believe in the power of teamwork, building not only rockets, but also lasting connections and a supportive community.

We design, engineer and launch rockets! Together, we push the boundaries and redefine what’s possible in the world of rocketry. Join us on a journey fuelled by innovation, where we strive for excellence in every aspect of aerospace, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Our Story

Since our founding in 2018, we have grown from a small student project into one of Australia’s leading university rocketry teams. Each of our rockets has been a stepping stone, refining our engineering expertise and preparing us for even greater challenges.

In 2019, our first rocket, The Next Big Thing, was a crucial learning experience, introducing the team to fundamental rocket design, construction, and launch operations. Later that year, Ainsworth 203 became our first entry into the Australian Universities Rocketry Competition (AURC), reaching 30,000 ft and strengthening our technical capabilities.

A major step forward in 2021, Phoenix successfully reached 9,000 ft, demonstrating significant advancements in launch operations and recovery systems. This project solidified our foundation in high-power rocketry. In 2022, we aimed for 10,000 ft with Griffin, a bold attempt to push our design limits. However, structural failure during flight provided invaluable lessons in aerodynamic stability and materials testing, shaping our future projects. In 2023, T.E.S.T.I.N.G. (Testing Essential Spaceport Technologies in Normal Gravity) achieved 10,000 ft, allowing us to refine critical systems. Later that year, Archangel competed in the Spaceport America Cup (SAC) 30,000 ft COTS category, securing 3rd place overall and 1st place in the Media Challenge—our first international competition success.

Competing in the 10,000 ft COTS category at AURC 2024, Zenith placed 3rd, emphasising advanced manufacturing and precision engineering. This project laid the groundwork for our next major challenge.

Looking into 2025, Spectre is our most ambitious project yet—our first twostage rocket, designed for Spaceport America Cup 2025 with a planned 45,000 ft flight. Integrating lessons from Zenith and Archangel, this project demands rigorous testing, complex system integration, and cutting-edge design. As we prepare to take UNSW Rocketry to new heights, we remain committed to innovation, excellence, and the thrill of pushing boundaries.