By CAPRI GAHR
Student Reporter
The sky is the limit for these Physics Club students.
They left campus Sunday morning and made their way to Argonia, Kansas, to test their homemade rockets.
They left for Kansas around 8 in the morning in an attempt to beat the wind to avoid interference with their launch. Argonia has a rocketry range and holds a collegiate competition, allowing students to design and test engineering projects.
Dr. Steven Maier, a physics professor, took his model rocket hobby to the next level and has introduced two of his students to this project. Sam Goddard, a freshman pre-engineering student from Wilberton, and Joshua Calder, an international student majoring in biology from Kalomo, Zambia, are hoping to compete in the Argonia Cup. Both students have accumulated an interest in projects like this and were able and willing when Maier brought up this opportunity.
To compete, at least one student on the team has to pass level two certifications. This shows that students have built a rocket capable of handling higher powered engines. Goddard and Calder have been using simulations to design their rockets before they attempt passing the first certification.
After passing, students may apply for sponsorships. Sponsors will purchase the necessary equipment to compete.
The rockets have to rise above 8,000 feet and carry a pay load of one golf ball. The ball will be released and must be recovered safely.
The Argonia Cup is held in April. According to Argonia Cup’s website, three other teams are registered to compete.
Calder has spent the last five years in the U.S. taking classes. Goddard has been on campus since Fall 2017 and is on the Men’s Cross Country team.
Both Calder and Goddard believe this experience will fuel future endeavors in the world of rocketry.