UTD laUnches firsT rockeT

SHRIYA VYASAM Mercury Staff

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics at UTD made history for the university on Nov. 19 when they became the first organization on campus to launch a high-powered rocket.

AIAA launched the rocket in Gunter, Texas at the Dallas Area Rocket Society, an organization dedicated to giving students an opportunity to explore their aeronautical interests. Groups from different high schools and colleges came together to launch their rockets, which had been built from scratch. The organization also hosts monthly launches with three types of rockets: model rockets that are generally smaller in size, mid powered rockets that are more powerful and run on ammonium perchlorate, and highpowered rockets that UTD has been certified to launch.

AIAA is a nationally recognized organization with many branches, one of which being UTD AIAA. Students interested in aeronautics can explore their interests and be a part of a community that supports their passion. The club makes up for UTD having removed the aerospace program many years ago. Since this is the first rocket launch, the team had to research all the foundational information and