Schedule of Events
refer to the Master Schedule for offical dates and times.
Team Registration Package Submissions
Window opens for Team Registration Package submissions.
Video Flight Readiness Safety Reviews
Window opens for Video Flight Readiness Safety Reviews.
On-Time Rocket Fee Deadline
The on-time payment deadline for the Rocket Fee is April 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT.
Deadline for 3rd Interim Progress Report Submissions
The deadline is April 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT.
On-time Rocketeer Fee Deadline
The on-time payment deadline for the Rocketeer Fee is April 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT.
School Participation Letter Submissions
The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
Podium Session Material Submissions
The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
Team Registration Package Submissions
The deadline for submissions is May 1 at 5 PM CT.
Poster Session Material Submissions
The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
Project Technical Report Submissions
The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
Video Flight Readiness Safety Review
The deadline for completion is May 15, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
Short Video Submission for Livestream
The deadline for submission is May 29, 2026 at 5 PM CT.
Pick-up at Midland Shipping Warehouse
Items shipped to Midland Shipping warehouse can be picked up from June 11 to June 15, 2026.
Hybrid and two-stage pad and ground support Equipment set up (optional)
Hybrid and Two-Stage Pad and Ground Support Equipment Set Up
Midland Horseshoe Pavilion Day 1
Check-in and Poster Set Up
Mass Photo
Aerotech Motor Building Class
Coordination Kick-off Meeting
Midland horseshoe pavilion day 2
Opening Ceremony for All Attendees
Team Officers, Mentors, Flyers of Record & Faculty Briefing
Flight Safety Reviews
Poster and Podium Sessions
Aerotech Motor Building Class
ESRA Staff, Judge and Volunteer Dinner
Spaceport Midland Day 1
Morning Flyer Meeting
Launch Preparations and Judging Evaluations
Range open for launch operations
Judges Coordination Meeting
Evening Flyer Meeting
spaceport midland day 2
Morning Flyer Meeting
Range open for launch operations
Judges Coordination Meeting
Evening Flyer Meeting
spaceport Midland Day 3
Morning Flyer Meeting
Range open for launch operations
Judges Coordination Meeting
Evening Flyer Meeting
Spaceport Midland Day 4
Range Close and Site Cleanup
Range open for launch operations
Morning Flyer Meeting
Judges deliberation and Awards Ceremony
Judges meet for final deliberations
Doors Open
IREC Awards Ceremony
Video Entry for Live Video Challenge
Submit your video entry for the Live Video Challenge.
Deadline for 2nd Interim Progress Report Submissions
The deadline is February 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT.
International Team Visa Letter Requests
Accepted International Teams requiring a VISA LETTER: Submit a single email request per team to general.info@esrarocket.org requesting a Visa Letter. VISA applications should be completed ASAP.
Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html for additional information.
Acceptance Announcement
2026 IREC acceptance announcements will be made in early November. November 15th is a tentative date only. Please direct any questions to general.info@esrarocket.org.
2026 IREC Application/Entry Fee
Accepted teams will be able to pay their Non-Refundable Team Application Fee on or before November 15, 2025. The fee must be paid no later than December 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM Central to continue through the competition process.
Progress Report 1
Progress Report 1 is expected to open on November 15, 2025 and close on December 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM Central.
2026 IREC Application Opens
2025 IREC Application window opens at 12:00 am (CT) on Monday, October 6, 2025 and will close at 5:00 pm (CT) on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Please see the International Rocket Engineering Competition Rules & Requirements Document for additional information.
2026 Mission patch challenge
Following the great response from last year's design competition, the 2026 Mission Patch Design is open for submissions. The deadline for submissions is January 3, 2026. The winning design will receive a $250 prize and will be presented during the closing awards ceremony.