Local Sarasota Student-led Rocketry Club Sets Sights on New Heights
Nearly 20 local middle and high school students have joined together with an inspiring common goal: building and launching a rocket 10,000 feet. The Team True Fire Rocketry Club, an initiative of the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab, was founded in 2022 by Riverview High School graduate Sebastian Grabowski, who is currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Sebastian passed the leadership baton to Riverview High junior Daniel Desear to lead the team to new heights in its second year. Team mentor and Suncoast Polytechnical High School teacher Russell Finger provides the group with support and guidance.
“I saw what Sebastian pictured for this club and the future of what it could be. He laid the foundation, I took the torch, and we all stepped up to start growing and expanding the program,” shared new team lead Daniel. “Last year, our rocket reached 6,400 ft, but with many lessons learned, I have the utmost confidence we will achieve our goal of 10,000 ft.”
The Team True Fire Rocketry Club operates out of the state-of-the-art Faulhaber Fab Lab facility, gathering weekly to research, experiment with rocket fuel formulations, fabricate key rocket components such as the nozzle and nose cone, and even program sensors that will collect valuable data during the rocket’s flight in Spring 2024. Several enhancements to the prior year’s strategy are underway, including experimentation with new fuels to increase propulsion and surpass last year’s rocket altitude.
“Rocketry Club represents a unique example of youthful determination and innovation,” added Ping Faulhaber, executive director of the Fab Lab. “Their pursuit of knowledge and desire to break through the confines of possibility exemplify everything our organization stands for.”
The team is seeking donations to help them build their rocket and achieve their goal of launching it 10,000 feet. Contributions of any size make a difference and will contribute to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders. Anyone interested in supporting the students’ quest to turn their dreams into reality can make a secure donation through the team’s GoFundMe page: HERE.
In addition to monetary support, the group is seeking donations of GoPro or Insta360 cameras to collect action shots and to be mounted onboard the rocket during flight. To get involved or learn more, please contact info@suncoastscience.org or call 941-840-4394.
Photos from Suncoast Science Center