For the Bulldog Rocketry Club, the sky is the limit for their 2024 competition rocket design. On Saturday afternoon, the Bulldog Rocketry Club tested their current motor design in preparation for the 2025 Spaceport America Cup Intercollegiate Rocket Competition.

“We’re doing our static motor test, which is something that we need to do for the competition we participate in every year this motor test happens because as a team we actually make our own motor so to prove to the competition that is safe,” said Bulldog Rocketry Club’ Chief Operations Officer Anna O’Brien.

Club members have few chances to see their work in action due to state launch restrictions and high costs. Making their motor test a great opportunity to involve the community in one of their large milestones.

“The rocket that we build throughout the entire year goes to 30,000 feet. Which because of the restrictions of Minnesota, there’s no launch site that we’re able to do that here. But this motor test is something that is probably the biggest thing we’re able to do in Duluth, and so it’s really great because that way people can come and see what we’re doing,” said O’Brien.

“It brings a lot of people together. I’ve already talked to many people who are not from the school, who don’t have any relatives or anything here, and they just kind of come out, they enjoy what we have to show and like to talk to everyone. It gives back to the community,” said Chief Marketing Officer Jenna Whiting.

As the club’s focus is truly rocket science, a lot goes into making sure their motor is in good shape before the rocket’s body and other components can be constructed.

“Now we just get to unpack our motor look at all our data see how it compares to like previous years and stuff and then make sure there’s no like internal structural damage make sure everything’s good for few our future reuse of our motor during our competition and then spend more time this year just developing more new stuff that couldn’t improve future motors as well,” said Motor Lead William Moe.

And even with a few hiccups in the road, the test came out a blazing success.

“It’s always amazing and rewarding just putting a lot of effort and then watching it actually fire and work,” said Moe.

To donate to their rocketry adventures, click here.