Space
Cowboys
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2006, the Mississippi State University’s Space Cowboys Rocketry Team is a nationally competitive high-powered rocketry team open to all students at MSU. Under the Aerospace Engineering Department, our sub-teams design, build, and launch rockets at the IREC Spaceport America Cup, where we were the 2015 champions.
We host technical workshops, research exciting technologies, and encourage the next generation of rocketeers through community engagement. Our members have the opportunity to gain experience and learn valuable engineering skills through our multidisciplinary team. Check out what we do!
SUBTEAMS
Structures
We fabricate the rocket structures using advanced manufacturing techniques with composite materials.
Payloads
We design, manufacture, and program scientific experiments carried out by the rocket during its flight.
Simulations
We use computer modeling to predict the rocket's flight path and determine optimal design parameters.
Propulsion
We research and test various motors for flight at competitions. Soon we will be building our very own SRAD solid motor.
BEANS
The Business and Expense Administrative Networking Sub-team. We focus on communication and marketing.
Current Rocket
The Helios launch vehicle will be our 2025 IREC competition rocket. It is designed to compete in the 30k COTS Solid Category. Helios is 136 inches tall with an inner diameter of 6 inches and an expected liftoff weight of 68.7 lbs. The 6-inch inner diameter allows for a CubeSat form-factor payload, which will conduct material testing in flight. Our all-composite airframe is engineered to not only handle the intense aerodynamic forces of supersonic flight, but also the thrust of the most powerful rocket motor we have purchased to date—the Aerotech O5500X.
Why Join?
Why should you join the Space Cowboys? Well, there are many reasons why you should! For starters, you get to develop industry connections from many different aerospace companies and learn the in-demand skillsets that these connections are looking for. Along with those skills, you get the opportunity to gain high-powered rocketry certifications for building your rockets. Additionally, you get to serve the Starkville community through our many outreach events. And most importantly, you get to join a great community of fellow space nerds at Mississippi State.
How to join
To join the Space Cowboys, click the join button below. On Cowbell Connect, request to join and you will receive an email from us about the steps to join.
How to donate
To donate to the Space Cowboys, click the donate button below. On the foundations' page, under “search for a fund” type in MSU Space Cowboys. Select your gift amount, and then donate to the team.
OUR SPONSORS
