Amid victory yells, a Florida Institute of Technology student-developed and built Pathfinder vehicle launched on the 28th June at 2:30 p.m. from Launch Complex 47 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket, dubbed “Panther 1” for the Florida Tech mascot, followed a perfect parabolic path to splash down in the Atlantic as planned. The team, with assistance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), achieved the first student launch from the site.
The students are involved in Florida’s Space Pioneer Cup. This is a university competition to launch a student-designed and built rocket into space and a way to involve students in the “real-world” rocket launch process.
"Future plans for the Pioneer Cup include additional Florida universities in the competition and possibly growth into a national event" - Glenn Vera, deputy director at the Florida Space Authority (FSA).
The competition is co-sponsored by the Florida Space Authority and the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing with funding from the Florida Department of Education. Expertise and launch support assistance is also provided by the Florida Space Grant Consortium and the Florida Space Institute.
"We are excited to be involved in developing the next generation of rocket scientists and technicians" - Capt. Winston Scott, executive director of the FSA and a Florida Tech faculty member.
The Florida Tech and ERAU students have developed and flown numerous test vehicles since last year’s competition announcement. The universities have also reached out to include high school and middle school students in their projects through tours, program briefings and participation in rocket design reviews. The FSA is working closely with 45th Space Wing Range Safety to develop a Pioneer Cup rulebook that details the critical design parameters and information, which student teams must supply in order to obtain acceptance for flight on the Eastern Range.
The Florida Tech student advisor is H. Greg Peebles III, PE, director of the university’s safety office. Florida Tech was founded in 1958 to train professionals working in the space program at what is now Kennedy Space Centre. It is the only independent, technological university in the Southeast. Among dozens of other degrees, it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in space sciences and in aeronautical engineering. Florida Space Authority provides economic development for Florida through space. It was established in 1989 by Florida’s governor and legislature to support the retention, expansion and diversification of the state’s space-related industry.
