THE MELODIES OF MATERIALS
Materials science is at the heart of innovation, shaping the tools and technologies of our modern world. Let's dive into the intricacies behind the materials that define the music and sounds of our lives.
6/25/2025 ⋅ By Rishi Pai ⋅ 6 min read
It IS Rocket Science!
Preparing to Launch the "Mars Snooper"
Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the exciting opportunity to attend my first-ever rocketry event—specifically, a model rocketry launch. As a rising junior in high school with a strong passion for engineering, I’ve recently begun laying the groundwork to start an aerospace engineering and materials science club at my school. One of our core goals will be to make engineering education more hands-on and accessible for all students, regardless of background. A major part of our initiative includes competing in the 2026 American Rocketry Challenge (ARC), which is why it was especially important for me to immerse myself early on in the world of model rocketry as I prepare for the upcoming school year.
Under the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), the organization that oversees the ARC, there are numerous local chapters across the United States that help students and hobbyists gain practical experience through community events and competitions. In the Southeast region, I’m fortunate to be part of Southern Area Rocketry (SoAR), an active group that holds launches nearly every two weeks. I’m incredibly grateful to have such a strong and welcoming community of rocket enthusiasts near my city, offering mentorship and guidance as I begin this journey.
Going into the event, I was eager to observe how these rockets were constructed, the aviation techniques involved, and how different materials affect a rocket’s performance and durability. As a beginner, I was gifted a rocket called the “Mars Snooper” by SoAR's president, Mr. Jorge Blanco. I had reached out to Mr. Blanco a few weeks prior to the launch sharing my plans for founding a school club, and he responded with genuine enthusiasm, offering ideas and support to help me get started over the summer. His encouragement and assistance have already made a meaningful impact on my path in aerospace.
Rishi at the SoAR Summer Launch
At the event, I had the chance to explore the field and talk to dozens of rocketeers about their builds. What stood out to me most was the incredible variety of designs and the strategic choices each builder made regarding materials. I learned about the wide range of substances used in model rocketry: from lightweight balsa wood and durable plywood to advanced polymers and composites. Builders were thoughtful about the trade-offs between weight, strength, cost, and performance, and it gave me a much deeper appreciation for materials science as it applies to real-world engineering challenges.
I also observed how rockets are constructed, launched, and sometimes, repaired. Watching failures turned out to be just as informative as watching successful flights. In fact, my own Mars Snooper suffered two minor failures due to the breakage of the elastic shock cord that connects the body of the rocket to its parachute. These incidents opened my eyes to the importance of choosing materials not just for launch performance, but also for recovery reliability. I noticed that many experienced rocketeers used nylon or Kevlar cords instead of rubber, thanks to their superior strength and heat resistance. This small but significant lesson reinforced how crucial materials selection is, not only for performance but also for safety and longevity.
These hands-on experiences have only deepened my curiosity and enthusiasm for the field. This summer, I plan to continue building and testing rockets, experimenting with new materials and configurations, and learning as much as I can before launching my school’s aerospace engineering and materials science club in the fall. My hope is to build a more powerful and versatile rocket than the Mars Snooper, one that reflects my growing understanding of both rocketry and the science of materials.
Most of all, I’m looking forward to sharing everything I learn with my peers. I believe that through collaboration, experimentation, and a passion for discovery, our team can accomplish great things in our school’s first-ever entry into the American Rocketry Challenge. This is only the beginning, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. So until dhin . . . stay upbeat and stay tuned.