UP Aerospace Launches Student Experiments From New Mexico

NMSGC PR – UPHAM, NM – Friday’s successful launch of the UP Aerospace SpaceLoft XL rocket for the New Mexico Education Launch was greeted by cheers from students New Mexico, Arizona and Texas as their payload experiments reached space, bringing a successful conclusion to months of work and preparation.

Working together with partners UP Aerospace and Spaceport America, the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC) sponsored the Education Launch to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs for students from New Mexico, Texas and Arizona.

“Creating enthusiasm and interest in these students is a gratifying thing to witness,” said Dr. Pat Hynes, Director of the NMSGC. “The Student Launch program shows the world that we are leading the way in science and technology education, and gives these students and their teachers a curriculum-based education opportunity that can’t be found anywhere else. Today’s launch has inspired a lot of interest in aerospace and space research!”

Jerry Larson, President of UP Aerospace, the company that designed and operates the rocket, was also excited by the launch. “The SL-5 performed flawlessly, and met the mission parameters as designed,” Larson reported. “After returning from space, the rocket and its payload was successfully recovered. All in all, this looks to be a perfect flight.”

The New Mexico Space Grant Consortium is a member of the congressionally funded National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program that is administered by NASA and sponsored by New Mexico State University. The program promotes and inspires lifelong learning in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as it pertains to space-related activities. The consortium supports a wide range of projects and scholarship opportunities, including the Student Launch Program.