Ranchview High School’s Institute of Technology & Engineering is moving closer to a historic aerospace milestone after receiving a $10,000 contribution from entrepreneur Mark Cuban. The funding will be used to purchase raw materials and safety equipment for the senior team’s effort to launch a rocket that reaches 50,000 feet, surpassing the current high‑school record of 45,482 feet set by Brazoswood High School in Clute, Texas.
Local students aim for national first
Senior Arnav Chugh explained the team’s ambition: “We want to be the first team in the country to reach 50,000 feet. There are only about 10 schools in the whole country working on these kinds of projects.” The ten‑member crew has already presented detailed rocket specifications and a budget plan to Cuban’s company, demonstrating the math and engineering groundwork needed for success.
Support from the community and industry
Meason Kolkhorst, the academy facilitator and aerospace teacher at Ranchview, praised the donation: “We have the math right for this project, we know what we need, and now we have to build it. We’re grateful to Mark Cuban for helping make that possible.” Principal Robert Atchison added that community backing turns classroom concepts into real‑world solutions: “Our students have brilliant minds, and donations like this help them apply what they’re learning to practical challenges.”
Launch plans and next steps
The team intends to launch its rocket at White Sands Missile Range in June 2027. Earlier this year, the students showcased their design to professionals at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, receiving valuable feedback on aerodynamics, propulsion, and safety protocols. With the new funding, they can now acquire higher‑grade aluminum alloys, composite materials, and advanced telemetry equipment to monitor the flight.
Why this matters for local education
Beyond the record‑breaking goal, the project provides hands‑on STEM experience for students in a region where technical‑career pathways are increasingly important. By working on a real‑world aerospace challenge, the seniors develop problem‑solving skills, teamwork, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond the classroom. The initiative also highlights the role of private philanthropy in supporting public‑school innovation.
Looking ahead
As the launch date approaches, the Ranchview team will continue testing subsystems, conducting safety drills, and refining their flight plan. They hope the achievement will inspire other schools across Texas and the nation to pursue ambitious engineering projects, reinforcing the value of hands‑on learning and community investment in youth talent.
Original reporting: Branch Herald (Carrollton / Farmers Branch, local news) — read the source article.
