Case Study: USCRPL crosses the Kármán Line with MathWorks

First Student-Designed Rocket Crosses the Kármán Line

The University of Southern California’s Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (USCRPL), a student organization, faced the immense challenge of becoming the first undergraduate team to design, build, and launch a rocket to outer space. Operating on a tight budget with a constantly rotating membership, they needed a way to precisely engineer a rocket capable of withstanding high-stakes scenarios and reaching an altitude of 100 kilometers. The team turned to MathWorks and leveraged MATLAB to create the critical simulations required for this ambitious project.

Using MATLAB, the USCRPL simulations team developed custom scripts to sweep through thousands of fin design parameters and run complex flight trajectory simulations. This MathWorks solution enabled them to optimize the rocket's design for stability and performance, culminating in the successful launch of their Traveler IV rocket, which reached 103,632 meters and crossed the Kármán Line into outer space. This achievement provided the students with invaluable hands-on experience that has directly led to careers at leading aerospace firms like NASA and SpaceX.

USCRPL

Luke St. Regis

Head of the Simulations Team