If you’re considering studying engineering and want hands-on experience that launches your career (literally) then the University of Brighton might just be your launchpad (pun totally intended).
In their first-ever entry into the prestigious UKSEDS National Rocketry Championship, a team of 14 engineering students rocketed to success, finishing 7th out of more than 50 teams from across the UK.
Their high-performance carbon fibre rocket, designed and built entirely by students, soared to an altitude of 1,819 feet and returned safely—an impressive feat for a debut team.
Alexander Gooch, one of the team members, said:
“For our first-year competing, finishing 7th out of over 50 teams is an incredible achievement. We’ve learned so much from building and testing our designs, and it’s been amazing to see all our hard work come to life on launch day. We’re really proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the support we’ve had.”
From cardboard to carbon fibre
The team, comprising Sam, Alex, Will, Tom, Hannah, Matte, Sol, Millie, Ranulph, Sanjuna, Sweta, and Larissa, who entered under the name Brighton Space Agency, began their journey with simple cardboard prototypes.
Since joining the competition back in October 2024, the students have been working tirelessly outside of their regular studies – experimenting with materials, writing detailed technical reports, and test-launching prototypes at the Mid Sussex Flyers RC flying club. What began with simple cardboard rockets has evolved into a high-performance carbon fibre vehicle, packed with student-designed electronics and 3D-printed components.
Their final rocket featured a custom-built avionics system designed to track altitude throughout flight, as well as an onboard camera provided by the competition organisers to capture in-flight footage.
While none of the teams reached the target of 2,500 feet, Brighton’s rocket performed exceptionally well and was successfully recovered with no damage, a testament to the students’ technical ability and careful planning.
Dr Nicolas Miché, Principal Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said:
“This is a fantastic result for our students and a proud moment for the school. Their dedication, innovation, and teamwork exemplify the kind of real-world problem-solving we strive to foster. Competitions like this give students a genuine edge in the aerospace industry and beyond.”
A culture of support and innovation
Sam Bishop, an aerospace engineering student and one of the team’s founding members, credits the University of Brighton’s unique engineering culture for their success:
“I have learnt so much throughout my studies so far. Not only have I learnt theory and fundamental concepts that form the foundation of engineering, but I have also had the chance to get practical in the university’s workshops and learning computer software, to meet new people in various team projects and to develop a variety of skills such as teamwork, leadership and public speaking throughout it all.
“Brighton is a very supportive university; lecturers are always keen to provide further help outside of lectures with one-on-one meetings if requested, and there is always lots of support material accessible.”
The university provided £1,300 in funding and full access to its engineering facilities. Staff members like Professor Ian Watts and Dr Nicolas Miché played key roles in mentoring the team and facilitating test launches at the Mid Sussex Flyers RC flying club.
Brighton Racing and Rocketry Society
The team set up the Brighton Racing and Rocketry (BRR) Society, a student-led initiative to encourage other engineers to get involved in extracurricular projects and explore their interests in rocketry, racing, and hands-on design outside of lectures. It supports projects like:
- The Brighton Space Agency – the university’s rocketry team that recently placed 7th in the UKSEDS National Rocketry Championship.
- The Brighton Racing F24 Team – a student group focused on electric vehicle design and racing.
Together, they’ve built a community where students can collaborate, innovate, and apply their engineering knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Why Brighton?
We asked Sam for his advice for anyone thinking about university:
“The University of Brighton has some amazing facilities and will support you with any project ideas you have. It is up to you to be proactive, but they will support you as much as they can – this is quite unique amongst universities.
“University is not just about lectures and exams; it is about learning all you can to be the best you can to succeed in your future career and having fun while doing it.”
Interested in studying an engineering degree?
The UK space sector is booming, generating over £17 billion annually. With experiences like the UKSEDS competition under their belts, our engineering students are well-positioned to enter this exciting field.
So, if you’re dreaming of designing the next generation of rockets, or just want to be part of a university that supports bold, practical innovation, The University of Brighton might be the perfect place to start your journey.
Find out more about the engineering courses available on the University of Brighton website.
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