UVA Rocket Team Prepares for International Competition in Texas[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb_TQsgHQQg[/embed]

Amidst the dusty fields of Culpeper, Virginia, an ambitious group of University of Virginia students showcased their engineering prowess with a rocket launch that captured the attention of onlookers. The Sabre III, a formidable creation from UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, dwarfed the hobby rockets typically seen at the Tripoli Central Virginia’s BattlePark.

“Oh my god,” murmured one spectator, as the awe-inspiring rocket was carried to the launch pad. This wasn’t just another amateur project; Sabre III, taller than a basketball hoop, was designed to soar into the stratosphere.

Saturday marked the final test before the team heads to Texas, aiming to defend their title at the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). A voice echoed through the PA system, counting down to launch.

Rebuilding a Legacy

The journey of UVA’s rocketry team is one of revival and triumph. Initially disbanded during the pandemic, the team reformed with new vigor as Anne Marie Branch joined as a freshman. Their efforts quickly bore fruit, winning a regional competition and then ambitiously aiming for IREC in Midland, Texas.

Against over 140 global teams, UVA clinched the “10K COTS” division title last year by reaching 10,019 feet with their rocket, using a commercial-off-the-shelf motor. “There was a moment where everyone was like, ‘Whoa, we might actually win this,’” Branch, now team president, recalled.

Following their victory, interest in the team surged, and students worldwide began to explore the strategies that led to their success. Branch attributed some of their achievements to favorable launch conditions, but this year they’re aiming to eliminate luck from the equation.

Innovations for the Future

This year’s design includes sleek modifications and computer-controlled airbrakes to ensure precision, even under less-than-ideal weather conditions. The 60-member team is structured into specialized groups focusing on essential components like software, altimeters, and parachute systems.

On the ground, students fitted the rocket with carbon fiber airbrakes. A sophisticated onboard computer will manage these during the competition, ensuring a controlled descent from 10,000 feet.

Saturday’s trial was crucial for testing these airbrakes. “It’s a new part of the rocket,” Branch said. “There are a lot of different things that could go wrong with it.”

The Launch

With a powerful “fwooosh,” Sabre III ascended, captivating the audience. As it reached its peak and began its descent, anticipation grew among team members. At 1,000 feet, the main parachute deployed, ensuring a safe landing.

This real-world engineering experience offers students a unique edge in their careers. Many, like Branch, are pursuing paths in aerospace, with dreams of contributing to space exploration. Branch herself will join the U.S. Navy as a civilian engineer, leveraging skills honed through this project.