New Mexico State University’s rocketry team, the Atomic Aggies, has reached an exciting milestone — launching their first-ever two-stage rocket at an international competition. The achievement marks a significant step forward for the student-led team and puts Las Cruces on the map in the world of collegiate rocketry.
The Atomic Aggies, representing NMSU on an international stage, successfully executed the complex two-stage launch, a technical feat that requires precise engineering, careful design, and months of dedicated teamwork. A two-stage rocket is considerably more challenging to build and fly than a single-stage vehicle, as it demands that one rocket motor ignite in mid-air after the first stage separates — a process that leaves little room for error.
For the students involved, the competition represents far more than a classroom exercise. It is a hands-on proving ground where future engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals put their skills to the test against talented teams from around the world. Reaching the milestone of a successful two-stage launch at this level of competition is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Atomic Aggies and the programs that support them at NMSU.
Las Cruces has long been home to a thriving community of scientists and engineers, thanks in large part to the presence of New Mexico State University and its proximity to research institutions in the region. Achievements like this one by the Atomic Aggies help reinforce that tradition of innovation and inspire the next generation of young people in southern New Mexico to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The team’s accomplishment is a proud moment for the entire Las Cruces community — a reminder that world-class talent and ambition are alive and well right here in the Mesilla Valley. Congratulations to the Atomic Aggies on this remarkable achievement, and best of luck as they continue to push the boundaries of what student rocketry can accomplish.
Sources: Organ Mountain News
