UPDATE: Space Concordia’s First Full-Scale Rocket Launch

In 2022, XSF was proud to donate truss to the students of Space Concordia for their Rocket Launch Tower. This group of over 100 students had already broken records with the most powerful liquid-fueled student rocket engine ever built.

Their next big goal: build a rocket that could reach space.

We’re excited to share that on August 15th, the team carried out their very first full-scale launch attempt.

At 5:34 a.m., after being loaded with 300 kg of liquid oxygen, 150 kg of jet fuel, and 3,600 psi of helium, the rocket came to life. The engine fired, the rocket lifted off the pad, and was flying at half the speed of sound almost instantly.

As it climbed, the systems kept it stable and on course. For 23 seconds, the rocket accelerated, hitting speeds of Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound). At that point it reached “Max Q”—the moment of greatest stress during flight. The pressure was so strong it caused the nosecone to separate early, and the flight computer shut down the engine to keep the mission safe.

The rocket began its descent, and the team was able to track the GPS and recover the flight computer and payload. A smaller crew is still in the field searching for more parts to study what happened.

Even though the rocket didn’t reach space this time, the launch was a huge success. Every system on board worked, and the team now has the data needed  to make necessary improvements. With just a few small changes, they are confident their next attempt will go all the way and meet their goal.