// AD ASTRA
BUILD. LAUNCH. REPEAT
Launchpad is STARS’ student-led engineering initiative, giving Rio Grande Valley students hands-on experience in aerospace engineering through real world projects.
//MISSION 02
the next mission
NEW ROCKET. NEW TEAM. NEW CHALLENGE
Following the success of Project Vortex, Launchpad is preparing the next student-led rocketry mission. A new cohort of RGV students will what we learned from Vortex and push it even further
PROJECT
TBA
2026-2027
STATUS
PRE-LAUNCH
// MISSION 01
PROJECT VORTEX
2025-2026 | MISSION COMPLETE
Project Vortex was Launchpad’s inaugural high-power rocketry mission, built by a student team from across the Rio Grande Valley. Vortex successfully launched from Hearne Municipal Airport on Aug. 8, 2026.
VORTEX REACHED APPROXIMATELY 8,300 FT
The mission marked the culmination of months of engineering, testing and teamwork, and laid the foundation for the next generation of Launchpad missions.
APOGEE
8,300 FT
RECOVERED
MISSION STATUS
APPLICATIONS
THE NEXT MISSION STARS WITH YOU
Launchpad brings together Rio Grande Valley students interested in engineering, aerospace, electronics, operations, communications and more. No previous rocketry experience is required, just curiosity, commitment and a desire to learn.
2026-2027 APPLICATION
CLOSES OCT. 3
WHO CAN APPLY?
High school students in the RGV area
Ability to travel for in-person meetings
Passion for learning and teamwork
No prior rocketry experience required
SPONSORSHIP TIERS
-
We gratefully accept donations of materials, services, equipment, or expertise. Recognition is based on estimated value and aligned with our three sponsorship tiers.
All in-kind sponsors receive:
Logo placement on all Project Vortex flight hardware that uses the donated product or service
Logo featured on the website and technical report
-
Logo on official website and technical report
Social media shout-out (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Name displayed on community sponsor banner at launch events and STEM fairs
Recognition in classroom visit slides (inspiring future engineers!)
Optional feature in “Sponsor Spotlight” social posts
-
Small logo placed on rocket airframe
Invitation to in-person launch event + student showcase
Thank you message in final student video
Recognition in local press releases or event programs
Featured on sponsor wall during outreach exhibitions
Exclusive access to pre-release technical milestones and student Q&A session
-
Official project partner
Prominent logo on rocket body, team shirts, and outreach banners
Option to host a guest lecture or STEM workshop with our team
Logo placement on all printed promotional materials
Featured partner highlight in final project video and public presentations
Legacy listing on future Vortex builds and STARS Launchpad page
