Experimental Sounding Rocket Association

Experimental Sounding Rocket Association

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The Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) is a nonprofit founded in 2003 to advance engineering education and hands-on experience in rocketry.

We're best known for hosting IREC—the world’s largest competition for collegiate rocketry teams.

02/23/2026

This week's reminder: Don't forget to pack folding chairs for your team! The comfier the better.

02/20/2026

As we take a peak at past IREC photos, how many flight tags have you collected during your years as a rocketeer?

Pictured Team 24 - Georgia Tech - 2019 IREC

02/18/2026

Join us for the ESRA 2026 IREC February Town Hall on February 19, 2026 at 7 PM Central. This monthly scheduled event offers a unique opportunity to obtain firsthand information and address any queries you may have, while also providing a platform for updates and announcements regarding the competition. Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84975883320?pwd=DAGvpyzLHNOienbcOMvmUPlmvcePn3.1

02/17/2026

Shade is a valuable resource at IREC. Please consider bringing your own shade. 10x10 tents are highly recommended, and don't forget to include tiedowns and empty sandbags for stability.

02/16/2026

Reminder: Submissions for Progress Report II must be received by ESRA by 5:00 PM CST today to meet the deadline.

02/14/2026

The ESRA Staff extends warmest wishes to you all on Valentine's Day as you complete your second Progress Reports.

02/14/2026

Rocketeers,

This is your reminder that Progress Report 2 (PR2) is due very soon.

* Date: February 16
* Time: Before 5:00 PM CT

Please do not wait until the last hour to submit. Give your team time to review responses, confirm consistency across all the sections, verify the shared links and files are accessible by everyone and ensure all required fields are completed fully.

IMPORTANT:
* No late submissions will be accepted
* Technical issues at the last minute do not extend the deadline
* Save a copy of your submission for your records
* A confirmation request can be made by emailing us. But we won’t be able to get to it till after the deadline.

02/11/2026

is thrilled to welcome back for the 2026 International Rocket Engineering Competition ( ). Find out how you too can "Shape the Future of Engineering" by visiting www.esrarocket.org/becoming-a-sponsor

02/10/2026

This week ESRA wishes to thank Jim Jarvis for all of his hard work as the ESRA Range Safety Officer and Launch Safety Coordinator!

Jim’s journey with ESRA began in 2018, when his work with rocketry teams at local universities led him to discover IREC through Andy Berger. He saw how much potential there was in supporting emerging engineers, so he joined ESRA with the hope of helping the next generation of space scientists gain real, hands-on experience while enjoying the process.

Since then, he has collected memories that stay with him, but one stands out above the rest, which was driving away from the 2019 competition with a Turkish rocket tied to the roof of his truck. He still proudly keeps it today. Jim believes anyone who has experienced the joy of rocketry can make a difference by helping others experience it too.

❤️

02/09/2026

We are pleased to announce that will be returning as a Media Sponsor for the 2026 . To inquire about 2026 IREC partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us today!

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Houston?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Home of the Spaceport America Cup

The world’s largest international rocket engineering competition, held annually in the southern New Mexico desert in mid July. Over 100 teams from around the world participate bringing 2,000 students, faculty, vendors, sponsors, staff and volunteers together for this amazing event.

Location

Telephone

Address

Houston, TX