USC Rocket Propulsion Lab Sets Altitude Record

Study Notes

A rocket constructed by students at the University of Southern California (USC) Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) achieved a new amateur space altitude record.
On October 20, 2024, Aftershock II, launched from Nevada's Black Rock Desert, reached an altitude of 470,000 feet (143.3 km).
The previous record of 380,000 feet (115.8 km) was set in 2004 by the Civilian Space eXploration Team’s GoFast rocket, Aftershock II exceeded this by 90,000 feet (27.4 km).
Aftershock II, standing 14 feet (4 m) tall, broke the sound barrier within two seconds of launch.
The rocket's maximum speed was 3,600 mph (5,800 km/h), 5.5 times the speed of sound, achieved just 19 seconds after launch.
The engine of Aftershock II burned out shortly after launch, it reached its peak altitude 92 seconds after launch, after leaving Earth's atmosphere in about 85 seconds.
After reaching peak altitude, the rocket's nose cone detached, deployed its parachute, and landed safely in the desert.
Aftershock II's technological innovations include titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint to endure extreme temperatures at high speeds.
Student-designed computer systems facilitated real-time tracking of the rocket's position and transmitted live data during the flight.
RPL was founded in 2005 with the goal of launching student-designed and built rockets into space.
In 2019, RPL's Traveler IV rocket was the first student-built rocket to cross the Kármán line, the internationally recognized edge of space at 328,083 feet (100 km).
RPL intends to concentrate on developing "sounding" rockets for scientific research, as further altitude records would require special permissions.
470,000 feet is close to the amateur rocketry limit of 490,000 feet.