ESRA
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Experimental Sounding Rocket Association

Founded in 2003 as a non-profit, ESRA seeks to further the field of experimental sounding rocketry.
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Who We Are:

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 primary focus is providing safe and exciting opportunities for academic groups to compete in aerospace challenges.

What We Do:

ESRA has operated the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) since 2006. In 2017, ESRA partnered with Spaceport America to expand the IREC into the Spaceport America Cup. Each year, over a hundred university teams from across the USA and around the world compete at Spaceport America’s amazing Vertical Launch Area for the coveted title of Overall Winner. This year is our biggest yet; 150 teams! Each team designs, builds, tests and launches rockets with a payload size of 8.8 pounds and target altitudes of either 10,000 or 30,000 ft. 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. For information about competing in the Spaceport America Cup, please visit http://www.soundingrocket.org/

The IREC has been an annual occurrence since 2006. The competition achieved international status in 2011 – when schools from Canada and Brazil joined – and has continued to grow rapidly ever since. More than 1,500 students attended the 2019 competition, representing over 100+ schools from 6 different continents. For the 2020 competition season, we have teams joining us from 18 countries.
  • ESRA Home
  • News
  • About ESRA
  • Spaceport America Cup
    • SA Cup Home
    • IREC >
      • What is IREC?
      • IREC Fees
    • SDL Payload Challenge
    • SA Cup Documents & Forms
    • SA Cup Lodging
    • SA Cup Travel
  • Events
    • 2020 SA Cup - 15TH ANNIVERSARY
    • 2019 SA Cup
    • 2018 SA Cup
    • 2017 SA Cup
    • 2016 IREC
    • 2015 IREC - 10th Anniversary
    • 2014 IREC
    • 2013 IREC
    • 2012 IREC
    • 2011 IREC
    • 2010 IREC - 5th Anniversary
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Sponsors
    • Rocket Vendors
    • Sponsor a Challenge
    • Volunteer
  • Contact Us