It actually IS rocket science! Student Launch is a 9-month long challenge that tasks student teams from across the U.S. to design, build, test, and launch a high-powered rocket carrying a scientific or engineering payload. It is a hands-on, research-based, engineering activity and culminates each year with a final launch in Huntsville, Alabama, home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The activity offers multiple challenges reaching a broad audience of colleges and universities as well as middle and high school aged students across the nation.
NASA Student Launch is a NASA-conducted engineering design challenge to provide resources and experiences for students and faculty. The activity is built around a NASA mission, not textbook knowledge. Research/investigation topics are conceived by the Space Launch System (SLS) and Artemis Program Offices in collaboration with SLS and Artemis industry partners. Students will have the opportunity to engage with NASA Subject Matter Experts and personnel from across the aerospace industry.
After a competitive proposal selection process, teams participate in a series of design reviews with a NASA review panel that mirror the NASA engineering design lifecycle, providing an experience that prepares students for the STEM workforce. Teams must complete a Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Launch Readiness Review before final flight. Team must pass each design review milestone to move onto the next. Following their final launch, teams must analyze payload and flight data during a Post Launch Assessment Review.
Any U.S. College or University can submit a proposal to be considered for the Student Launch Challenge – University Student Launch Initiative (USLI). The USLI Division is a competitive division.
Qualifying Middle Schools, High Schools, and informal education institutions serving students in grades 6-12 can submit a proposal to be considered for the Student Launch Challenge – Student Launch Initiative Division (SLI). The SLI Division is a non-competitive, educational experience division.
Student Launch is open to all U.S. colleges and universities, and qualifying grades 6-12 teams.
Awards:- Support and recognition
Deadline:- 22-04-2026
