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In general, Fall semester is dedicated entirely to design and simulation of the rocket. The members will present their design twice to more seasoned Launch members, and iterate on the design until it is perfected. At the end of fall semester, a design freeze is put in place, which means members are not allowed to make any more major design changes to the rocket. During winter break, all the necessary parts for the rockets are ordered, and once Spring semester rolls around, things really start to take off. Spring semester is the manufacturing and construction phase of Space Race. Here, each team will take they designs they've made and, using the materials purchased construct their rocket. Teams are encouraged to draw on the rocketry experience of more senior Launch members during this phase, since rocketry construction can be a difficult and nuanced process. Once the rockets are assembled and painted, they are ready to launch! See See the Space Race calendar for more specific dates.
Where do we get the money?
Since RIT Launch Initiative is an entirely sponsorship and community funded club, to fund the Space Race, each team must crowdfund in order to pay for materials. If this sounds daunting, don't worry, the Director of Space Race will be happy to walk you through the entire process. Crowdfunding will require you to create some sort of promotion deliverable to present. Historically, we've done promotional videos, but whatever your team decides to do is fine, so long as it gets the word out!
Where do I start?