ESRA Newsletter 31 May 2026
AIAA ASCEND 2026
ESRA had a successful showing at the AIAA ASCEND Conference from 19 to 21 May 2026. ESRA posted on social media this thank you letter:
"Thank you all for joining us at ASCEND this week. It was ESRA’s pleasure to introduce you to William, Matthew, Jeremy, James, and Lokesh of the University of Maryland Terrapin Rocket Team. We also want to send a special thank you to the entire Terrapin Rocket Team for allowing us to showcase your hard work and dedication to the field of aerospace at our booth and on Capitol Hill. Additionally, we want to thank our dedicated volunteers Steve Taylor, Logan Herrera, and Brahm Soltez for introducing the importance of student high-powered rocketry to members of Congress. We also extend our gratitude to Stephanie Taylor, Andy Berger, and Duane and Jessica McCarty, whose coordination, setup, and manning of the booth were essential to the ESRA mission and continued IREC success. Finally, thank you to AIAA for their collaboration and partnership with ESRA and for hosting a wonderful event. We can’t wait for ASCEND 2027!"
Volunteer Highlight
This week, Gracie Tomlinson, social media volunteer, was recognized on ESRA's social media. This is what they wrote:
"This week's volunteer highlight focus's on Gracie. Gracie has been volunteering with ESRA for less than a year and currently helps manage ESRA's social media. As the daughter of some of our longtime ESRA volunteers, she naturally found her way back into the world of rocketry - a passion she has loved from launches to building rockets and motors. Through volunteering, she hopes to meet lifelong, like-minded friends and become even more connected with the ESRA community.
"For Gracie, volunteering is more than simply helping at an event. It's about being part of something inspiring, discovering the behind-the-scenes effort that makes IREC possible, and sharing unforgettable experiences with a welcoming community brought together by a shared love for rocketry."
Team Recognition: Cowboy Rocketworks, Oklahoma State University
This week, the Cowboy Rocketworks Team was recognized on ESRA's social media. This is what they wrote:
"The Oklahoma State University Cowboy Rocketworks Team was found in August 2016 as the OSU AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) Student Branch. They are currently working on a tiered space shot and participate in the Argonia Cup, where they placed 2nd in AG 2026. They also run a large personal certification program, averaging around 30 certifications per school year, and conduct their own SRAD propulsion, composites manufacturing, and flight computer research programs. The team is returning to IREC for the fifth time and also mentors high school teams competing in the American Rocketry Challenge (TARC).
"While this is the team's fifth time returning to IREC, it is the first time attending for most of the current members, with the exception of their team lead, Loren. The team is excited to connect with new people through rocketry, visit a new place, and see each team's unique approach to design methodology.
"As the team was unable to launch in 2024 due to cloud coverage, they hope to successfully launch this year. They also hope to strengthen team bonding and gain more experience applying SOPs in new launch environments. Furthermore, they believe the experience and knowledge gained from this launch will help develop their space shot program.
"One of their favorite moments from IREC 2024 was receiving several optional point chips and taking a group photo together at a Chili's restaurant. Lastly, their vendor of choice is Onshape."
Final Town Hall Meeting
The final Town Hall meeting of the 2026 IREC season is on 4 June 2026 at 7:00 pm CT. This is your chance to connect directly with ESRA staff, ask questions, and stay engaged with the latest in competition updates and information. Don't miss out!
Volunteer Only Town Hall
A Volunteer Only Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 7:00 pm CT on 7 June 2026. Please join the meeting!