Student Space Technology Assoc University of Tennessee Knoxville Innovates with STEM

By

The Student Space Technology Association University of Tennessee Knoxville (SSTA-UTK) innovates from ground zero to the stars.  This year, SSTA has become the largest hands-on space-focused Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) organization on campus with 100 active members and eight planned projects for the 2025-2026 school year.

The SSTA-UTK is building a pipeline for our future. In the past few weeks, they have participated in international events with multi-discipline teams of engineers, scientists, and business professionals.

Last week, SSTA-UTK participated in the IREC 2025 (formally Spaceport America Cup) and won 1st place in the Student Research and Designed (SRAD) 30,000ft hybrid rocket category.

The team reached their goal to launch their rocket, dubbed Redshift, to an altitude of 30,000ft  Above Ground Level (AGL).

On June 24th, the team successfully flew and recovered Redshift. Redshift reached a peak altitude of 28,868ft (altimeter based) and hit Mach 1.77 (1350mph). It was a challenging and insightful experience and the team has learned a great deal from it.

No matter what the competition, SSTA-UTK focuses on teamwork.

On June 1st, 2025 in the Mojave desert, the team prepared to launch “Big Liquid” – their first flight-ready liquid-rocket – to 50,000 ft, a student group record – and they almost achieved a world record. Unfortunately, their fill line did not close at ignition. But the team learned critical lessons on subsystems and will try again in the next school year.

SSTA-UTK works throughout the school year with industry advisors, university researchers and their community.

Professionals provide great insights to students beyond classroom theory.

SSTA-UTK STEM Outreach gives high school girls great role models and exciting examples of using science to complete a task – even with a paper rocket.

Thank you Zachary Marano and SSTA-UTK team for sharing with the SOLIDWORKS Community.  We wish you the best in the upcoming season.  Thank you too for being part of the SOLIDWORKS Student Team Sponsorship program.

Design well.  Marie

 

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning including educational institutions, Fab Labs, and entrepreneurship.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1