The team has several sponsors that support it financially and with other help, including the College of Engineering, ATK, USU's Space Dynamics Lab, Rocky Mountain Space Grant, Utah Chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts and students at the university.

"The team really feels that not only did we build a rocket, but we built the skills each of us will use for the rest of our lives as mechanical and aerospace engineers," said team member Nick McKee.

The launch contest challenges student teams to design, build and fly reusable rockets with scientific payloads one mile high and return them safely to Earth. NASA's competition judges then evaluate each team's rocket design, flight data and final written report about payload results and overall experience.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville placed second, and the Florida Institute of Technology was third, also winning "Rookie Team of the Year" for its first-ever rocket fielding.

E-MAIL: wleonard@desnews.com