Student-made rocket smashes 20-year-old world record, soaring 470,400 feet above Earth

USC students set new records with their Aftershock II rocket.

: USC Rocket Propulsion Lab's Aftershock II achieved a record altitude of 470,400 feet, surpassing a 20-year-old record and reaching speeds of 3,602 mph. Launched on October 20 from Black Rock Desert, the rocket employed advanced technologies like custom avionics and titanium fin designs. Ryan Kraemer, leading the project, highlighted the importance of their innovative systems, including thermal protection and onboard computers. Aftershock II's success builds on previous achievements like the Traveler IV, offering valuable flight data.

The University of Southern California's Rocket Propulsion Lab has smashed a 20-year-old record with their Aftershock II rocket, reaching an unprecedented altitude of 470,400 feet, equivalent to roughly 89.09 miles. This ascent marked a significant leap from the previous record held by the Civilian Space Exploration Team's GoFast rocket, which was set at 71.97 miles in 2004.

Additionally, Aftershock II set a new speed record for amateur rockets, hitting 3,602 mph, thanks to its powerful solid-propellant motor and innovative design elements. Challenges such as preventing heat damage at hypersonic speeds were overcome with new thermal protection systems and titanium fin designs, which effectively handled the intense conditions of spaceflight.

Under the leadership of Ryan Kraemer, the team made substantial technological advancements, including custom avionics and computer systems for detailed flight tracking and safe recovery. This breakthrough not only highlights their commitment to innovation but also builds on past successes, such as their 2019 Kármán line-reaching rocket, Traveler IV, by integrating these novel advancements into Aftershock II's design.

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