The McGill Rocket Team is a highly accomplished student-led organization at McGill University that designs, builds, and launches rockets to compete in international competitions. Founded in 2015, the team has grown to over 130 members from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, science, arts, and management.
The team is divided into several sub-teams, each responsible for different aspects of the rocket design and development process. These sub-teams include Aerodynamics, Structures, Payload, Propulsion, Avionics, Business, and Multimedia. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world engineering challenges while fostering collaboration and innovation.
One of the team’s most notable achievements was winning first place overall at the 2018 Spaceport America Cup, the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket engineering competition. The team’s rockets, named Blanche and Stella II, performed flawlessly, reaching altitudes of 10,000 and 30,000 feet, respectively. This victory was a testament to the team’s dedication, hard work, and robust design philosophy that emphasized simplicity and extensive testing.
In recent years, the McGill Rocket Team has continued to push the boundaries of student rocketry. In 2022, they placed second in their category at the Spaceport America Cup with their first entry featuring a fully student-developed hybrid rocket engine. The team’s latest project, PORTHOS, is a 10,000-foot SRAD (Student Researched and Developed) hybrid rocket.
Beyond their technical achievements, the McGill Rocket Team is committed to fostering the next generation of industry leaders in aerospace and rocketry. The team provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, develop essential professional skills, and build lasting friendships through shared experiences.
The success of the McGill Rocket Team is not only a win for the university but also a testament to Canada’s rich history and potential in the space sector. As the team continues to soar to new heights, they inspire and encourage investment in space research and education, paving the way for a bright future in Canadian rocketry and aerospace innovation.
