USC Students Break Altitude Record with Student-Built Rocket
A student-built rocket from the University of Southern California's Rocket Propulsion Lab, named Aftershock II, has set a new world record for the highest altitude reached by a non-governmental and non-commercial rocket, soaring to over 470,000 feet. This achievement surpasses the previous amateur rocketry record by 90,000 feet and features several engineering innovations, including the most powerful solid-propellant motor fired by students. The rocket's advanced design and technology, such as a new avionics system and thermal protection, enabled it to withstand hypersonic flight conditions and be successfully recovered for data analysis.