Spaceport America Cup 2023

There has been a lot of confusion on this topic, even within the leadership of ESRA.  It's important that teams understand the following roles:

Team Mentor - ESRA HIGHLY RECOMMENDS all teams have a team mentor. This mentor should be considered an expert with experience flying high power rocketry projects similar or greater in scope to the rockets being designed and built by the team. 

• The MENTOR does not have to be an employee of the university, but it is highly recommended that your mentor should be reimbursed for the time and travel expenses involved in supporting the team.
• The MENTOR should provide active onsite supervision of all major design reviews, manufacturing and testing activities as well as participating in all launch operations by the team.
• The MENTOR is not required to be HPR certified but it is highly recommended. The Mentor's expertise and experience should be substantial enough to be considered a senior technical authority.
• The team's FACULTY ADVISOR can be the MENTOR if he/she is qualified to do so.
• ESRA Range Safety Staff can be a MENTOR if they are actively involved with the team year-round.

Level 3 Certified HPR Flyer of Record - A L3 Flyer of Record is required for all COTS and SRAD Solids and Hybrid category rockets.  

• All COTS or SRAD solid and Hybrid rocket teams MUST HAVE a Tripoli Level 3 certified Flyer of Record ONSITE at the launch.
• The Flyer of Record must provide up to date Tripoli credentials.
• The Flyer of Record DOES NOT have to be the TEAM MENTOR, but they must be familiar with the specific project being launched to sign the flight card onsite just prior to launch.

ESRA support for the L3 Flyer of Record requirement - 

• ESRA acknowledges that many international teams (Europe, Middle East, etc.) have no ability to gain access to a L3 Flyer of Record.  ESRA Range Safety Reviewers will work directly with these teams to address viable options to have ESRA provide the L3 Flyer of Record.
• Teams in the United States, Canada and even in Australia have access to a large number of potential Flyers of Records. ESRA cannot commit to provide L3 Flyers of Record for all teams.
• International teams should MAKE SIGNIFICANT EFFORTS to find a local/regional Flyer of Record for their project.

No, but it is highly encouraged.  Critical communications and updates are provided through the HeroX platform.  If your team fails to monitor these official communications, your team may be penalized or removed from the competition.  Team leads and delegates are required such that entry, progress, and final reports can be submitted prior to the deadlines.

All teams MUST read the IREC Rules and Requirements Document as well as the IREC Design Test and Evaluation Guide available on our website at http://www.soundingrocket.org/sa-cup-documents--forms.html.   

For any specific questions, post a question on the HeroX forums and an ESRA staff member will respond.

Yes, but it’s quick and easy. Just click the “Accept Challenge” button on this page and follow the instructions to complete your registration. All you need to provide is your name and email address.

The Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 for the purpose of fostering and promoting engineering knowledge and experience in the field of rocketry. ESRA's current focus is in the field of experimental sounding rocketry, which we define as roughly between "experimental" or "research" high-power rockets and sounding rockets capable of reaching space (generally defined as 100 km altitude).

ESRA operates the Spaceport America Cup - Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) for teams from across the USA and around the world.

More information can be found at our website www.soundingrocket.org.

ESRA hosts the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) for student rocketry teams from across the USA and around the world. With a payload size of 8.8 pounds and target altitudes of either 10,000 or 30,000 ft. above ground level, competing rockets are typically 4 to 8 inches in diameter and 8 to 20 ft. long. Multistage rockets and all chemical propulsion types (solid, liquid, and hybrid) are allowed.

Beginning in 2017, ESRA's Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) became the flagship activity of a new annual event called the Spaceport America Cup (SA Cup).

More information can be found on our website at www.soundingrocket.org

If you have a question not answered in the FAQ, we recommend that you post it in the HeroX Forum where someone will respond to you. This way, others who may have the same question will be able to see it.

1. This is a harsh, hot, dry, desert environment with potentially dangerous wildlife.
2. Temperatures can reach 110 F (42 C)!   Team members look out for each other! 
3. Dehydration injuries happen every year. BE PREPARED!  WATER WATER WATER!!! 
4. Recovery team members need to have HARD SOLED shoes or hiking boots.  Normal tennis shoes will not keep the large bush thorns from penetrating your foot 
5. Everyone should be drinking significant amounts of water.   
6. Any team members wearing inappropriate/unsafe clothing will be asked to correct it immediately. Failure to comply will lead to points being deducted/you may be asked to leave.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED clothing for anyone recovering a rocket

• Lightweight, Long Pants (Nylon/Poly)
• Sun shade hat (Large brimmed)
• Hiking Boots, Tennis shoes (Must be closed Toe)
• Long sleeve, fishing-style shirt

Desert wildlife to avoid:

• Tarantulas
• Snakes
• Scorpions

Clothing to AVOID:

• Open toed shoes, flip-flops, sandals
• Sleeveless T-shirts 
• Shorts

Additional Items to carry with you:

• Water, lots of it! Always have water with you
• First Aid Kit (for your group)
• Sun Tan Lotion – SPF 45+ (apply every 2 hours)
• Insect Repellant 
• Sunglasses

Click here for the detailed flyer with additional information