ESRA IREC

What is IREC?

The Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) is an international challenge where university teams design, build, and launch high-powered rockets and payloads. Hosted by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) each summer in New Mexico, IREC is a core part of the Spaceport America Cup, which brings together student rocketry teams from around the world.

The Challenge

Teams compete in categories such as 10,000 or 30,000 foot targets, carrying custom scientific or engineering payloads. The competition emphasizes safe design, rigorous documentation, and innovative engineering solutions to reach target altitudes and successfully recover rockets and data.

Our 2025 Mission

2025 marks LUNAR’s first IREC bid. We have recently submitted our proposal and are preparing to participate in the 2025 Spaceport America Cup. Our team is excited to tackle new engineering challenges and join the international student rocketry community.

Why IREC?

IREC offers hands-on experience with high-powered rocketry, advanced payload development, and systems engineering. It’s an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, collaborate across disciplines, and compete on a global stage.

Anticipated IREC Timeline

• October 2025: Proposal submitted to ESRA/Spaceport America Cup
• Fall 2024: Awaiting acceptance and team registration
• Winter/Spring 2025: Design, build, and test rocket & payload
• June 2025: Competition at Spaceport America Cup, New Mexico

Detailed updates and milestones will be posted as our IREC journey progresses!