ALAMOSA — On Saturday, July 19, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems held the 17th annual Student Rocket Launch in Alamosa County. Three intern-built rockets – Live, Laugh and Launch – stood at 13 feet tall each and flew approximately 7,000 feet into the air. 

The Student Rocket Launch provides interns with the opportunity to experience a small-scale launch campaign and navigate the complexities of rocket design and development. Each rocket contained three to four different payloads (on-board experiments and instruments deployed after launch), built by either members of the BAE Systems Intern Remote Sensing Team program or K-12 students from across the nation. 

The Student Rocket Launch is a comprehensive introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) that provides hands-on experience for everyone involved, regardless of the scope of their role or educational background. 

“This event is one we look forward to every year, watching these student-designed rockets launch is always impressive,” said Tory Bruno, president and chief executive officer of ULA. “It’s an exciting time in this industry and programs like this help students get immersed early. The future of aerospace is in great hands.” 

For two decades, United Launch Alliance has served as the custodian of America’s national security space mission. Our rockets fly to the most challenging and exotic orbits the nation requires, while delivering the most accurate payload insertions in the world. The alliance continues to carry this unique capability forward with the new Vulcan rocket, the latest and most advanced vehicle of this type. 

BAE Systems, Inc. and its nearly 41,000 people are part of a global defense, aerospace, and security company with approximately 100,000 employees worldwide. 

For more information on ULA, visit www.ulalaunch.com and join the conversation on social media @ulalaunch.