LUNAR Team reaches new heights with International Rocket Engineering Competition

The Lamar University Association of Rocketry has entered a new chapter after being accepted into the International Rocket Engineering Competition.

The International Rocket Engineering Competition, known as IREC, is the largest intercollegiate rocket competition in the world. LUNAR will now compete against 107 student rocketry teams from across the United States and around the globe.

"We compete with other university teams to design, build and launch high-powered rockets in the 10,000-foot altitude category using commercial off-the-shelf motors," Jose Sifuentes, a mechanical engineering junior, said. "This is our first year in IREC, but we spent the last two years competing in NASA's University Student Launch Initiative, which gave us a strong foundation for taking the next step."

The LUNAR team continues to grow, with 42 members this season. The organization is structured into six subteams and led by four team leads as it prepares for the demands of the new competition.

"The team has a genuinely strong and positive culture," David Outlaw, a mechanical engineering senior, said. "Compared with other groups, this one stands out for its level of organization. Processes are clear, communication is smooth, and everyone understands how their work fits into the bigger picture."

Transitioning to IREC has introduced new challenges as the team adjusts to different rules and technical requirements.

"So far, the hardest part of the payload has been the size restrictions," Daniel Durbin, a mechanical engineering senior, said. "That limitation affects every design decision, from the size of the tracks to the width of the batteries. We have a very finite volume, and we have to pack as much functionality into it as possible."

In addition to competing, LUNAR also serves as a student organization for those interested in aerospace engineering.

"It's nice having people to talk to about aerospace and share those interests with," Litzy Vasquez, a senior electrical engineering major, said. "What makes LUNAR fun for me are the friendships I've made, knowing we're working toward something meaningful together, and being able to apply what I learn in class to a real project."

The organization provides hands-on experience that helps students prepare for future careers in engineering.

"As a member of LUNAR, I'm gaining knowledge of aeronautics that will be invaluable in pursuing a career in aerospace," Matthew Brandenburg, a mechanical engineering freshman, said. "I've been able to develop my 3D modeling skills and take on responsibilities such as ensuring proper fit, matching aerodynamic profiles and reducing drag."

The competition will conclude with final launches at Spaceport Midland in Midland, Texas, from June 15 to June 20.

IREC has been held annually since 2006 and gained international status in 2011 when teams from Canada and Brazil joined. The competition has continued to grow, with more than 1,800 students representing over 120 schools from 22 countries across five continents attending the 2024 event.

IREC is organized by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to promote engineering knowledge and hands-on experience in rocketry. The association focuses on providing safe, competitive opportunities for academic teams in aerospace challenges.

"I'm excited to see all of our efforts come to life," Jonah Smith, a mechanical engineering senior, said. "Whether we meet our launch goals or fall short, everything we've done in the College of Engineering has led to this moment. It's the culmination of all our hard work."

To follow LUNAR's journey, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

To learn more about the College of Engineering visit lamar.edu/engineering.