USC Students Break Rocket Launch World Record

The University of Southern California's Rocket Propulsion Lab set a new amateur altitude record by launching their Aftershock II rocket to 470,400 feet, surpassing the previous record of 380,000 feet. This achievement marks several engineering milestones, including the most powerful solid-propellant motor fired by students. The launch, which took place in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, featured significant upgrades such as a new avionics unit and titanium fin edges, demonstrating the team's technical prowess and innovation.