10 hours ago
SAU's rocket workshop inspires next generation of engineers
MAGNOLIA, Arkansas (KTAL/KMSS) — Approximately 30 engineers and aspiring scientists participated in the second Arkansas High-Powered Rocket Workshop at Southern Arkansas University (SAU).
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The workshop brought together high school students, college undergraduates, teachers, and professors from across the state. The intensive experience was sponsored by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) through a $30,000 grant secured by Doctor Abdel Bachri, the dean of SAU's College of Science and Engineering.
Participants were grouped into interdisciplinary teams and went through the process of building a rocket from design to launch. Over the four-day workshop, students used OpenRocket software to simulate their own designs and machined parts in SAU's engineering machine shop. They then cut fins using CNC and laser etching and 3D-printed camera bays.
They assembled parachute systems, installed rocket motors, tested stability, and integrated payloads. The program also taught them rocket safety and propulsion principles that earned them credit toward Level 1 certification.
For the program's conclusion, students launched the rockets in SAU's Laney Farm. Participants were allowed to take their rockets home afterwards.
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Dr. Bachri said, 'This workshop represents the very best of STEM education-bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and giving them the tools, mentorship, and opportunity to do something extraordinary. Thanks to support from ASGC and NASA, we're not just inspiring the next generation of engineers-we're launching them.'
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