The UVA Engineering Rocketry team demonstrated a stunning performance at the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), taking first place in the “10K COTS solids” category and second overall in the international competition.
What’s 10K COTS? It’s one of the most competitive classes at IREC, where teams try to fly their rocket as close as possible to 10,000 feet using only Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) motors — no custom engines allowed. It’s a true test of precision engineering and planning.
More than 143 student teams and universities from 22 countries gathered in Midland, Texas from June 9–14 to launch rockets they designed, built and tested over the past year.
The student-led team, made up entirely of undergrads from the University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science, was one of just 20 allowed to launch after a powerful windstorm tore through the desert camp the night before, leaving volunteers scrambling to save the launch schedule. Sabre II was third off the pad Wednesday morning — and delivered.
The flight and recovery were textbook perfect.
“The flight and recovery were textbook perfect,” said Mike McPherson, UVA Engineering Rocketry advisor. “Sabre II returned completely undamaged and earned a perfect score on both recovery and post-flight inspection.”
This result is even more impressive given that the team is only in its second year competing.
“Beyond their technical precision,” he continued, “the team also stood out for their collaboration and generosity. Known around camp as a go-to crew for advice and spare parts, they’ve quickly earned a reputation for sportsmanship and leadership among peers.”
