The scholar frame has written itself into the aviation historical past books with a fantastic show of ability and ambition. Their rocket, Aftershock II, defied expectancies, broke present data and set a brand new usual for student-led innovation. On October 20, the USC Viterbi Faculty of Engineering’s Rocket Propulsion Lab unveiled its newest undertaking in Nevada’s Black Rock Wasteland. Aftershock II climbed to 90,000 ft (143.2 kilometers), breaking the former document for self-propelled rockets via 90,000 ft (27 kilometers). “This represents a couple of ranges of pupil engineering,” mentioned Ryan Kraemer, the undertaking’s lead engineer and graduate pupil in mechanical engineering. “Aftershock II combines probably the most tough patience engine ever advanced via a group of scholars and probably the most tough engine ever advanced via non-professionals.”
A USCRPL group with a rocket sooner than take off. Aftershock II Achieving Mach 5.5 Status 4 meters tall and weighing 150 kilograms, Aftershock II is a testomony to awesome design and engineering. Its tough engine, a surprise of pupil era, helped the rocket achieve a hypersonic velocity of Mach 5.5 (5,797 kilometers in line with hour). The scale of the rocket—simply 20 centimeters in diameter—presentations its unbelievable energy and class. The group built-in a custom-designed avionics gadget that tracked the rocket’s flight in actual time, accrued flight knowledge, and ensured a hit restoration. Those avionics programs, together with circuit forums and on-board computer systems, have been designed from scratch via the scholars, permitting tracking and keep watch over of all the undertaking. Gasoline coverage posed any other significant issue, because the rocket persevered excessive warmth throughout its hypersonic ascent. The group advanced a heat-resistant coating and used titanium-coated fins to stabilize, cut back drag, and stay the plane from overheating. Pushing the Limits of Scholar Schooling The Rocket Propulsion Lab at USC has a pioneering historical past. In 2019, their rocket Traveler IV become the primary student-made rocket to achieve house, attaining a distance of 103.6 kilometers. Aftershock II constructed in this legacy, introducing new avionics, complex telemetry, and complex navigation programs that driven the bounds of outrage era. “It is a very formidable undertaking,” mentioned Dan Erwin, chair of USC’s astronomy division. “It presentations the talents we broaden in our scholars, making ready them to guide the way forward for industry.” The Aftershock II undertaking no longer most effective showcases the engineering doable of scholars but in addition helps the following technology of house pioneers. The group’s luck is an impressive reminder that creativity can come from anyplace, even in the study room. The sky is now not the prohibit—it is only the start.
