Vanderbilt Aerospace Design Lab

Space Force Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond visits Vanderbilt, laying groundwork for future partnership

May. 27, 2021—United States Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond recently visited Vanderbilt to learn about the pioneering aerospace engineering projects at the university’s research institutes and trans-institutional programs.

Class of 2021: From rockets to fighter jets, mechanical engineering major builds on big successes

May. 3, 2021—Will Reisner enjoys reaching new heights. The mechanical engineering senior is the vehicle team lead on the perennially top-ranked Vanderbilt Aerospace Design Laboratory rocket team.

VADL team members talk with James Bridenstine, NASA Marshall Director Jody Singer and Mike Kincaid, associate administrator, Office of NASA STEM Engagement, at NASA’s Artemis Day in New Orleans. Front, left to right, Jon Powles, Alex Barnett, Bridenstine, Abbey Carlson, Sophia Moak and Adam Smith. Rear, Kincaid and Singer.

Vanderbilt rocketeers invited to special NASA Artemis unveiling day

Dec. 13, 2019—Five mechanical engineering seniors got a rare, up-close look at the core stage for NASA’s Space Launch System rocket that will help power the first Artemis mission to the Moon.

Vanderbilt wins NASA’s 2019 Student Launch Competition, sixth in 7 years

May. 16, 2019—Vanderbilt’s Aerospace Design Laboratory again has earned top honors in NASA’s National Student Launch Competition, the lab’s sixth national championship and second consecutive win in 12 years.

illustration of a rocket lifting off with a fiery explosion beneath it

Launch Pad: Vanderbilt’s internationally acclaimed student rocket team has propelled many alumni into the science of spaceflight

Feb. 19, 2019—During the past 11 years, NASA has awarded the Vanderbilt rocket team eight payload design awards and five national championships. The team has won a total of 30 national and international awards and 16 regional awards. In addition, the Vanderbilt Aerospace Design Lab has launched an impressive number of graduates into roles at companies such as SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Rolls Royce, NASA and Northrop.

Rocket team’s novel two-part design addresses NASA challenge; launch is April 7

Mar. 29, 2018—Engineering students in the Vanderbilt Aerospace Design Laboratory will demonstrate their solution to a common rocket dilemma at the 2018 NASA Student Launch Competition on April 7.