Florida Rocket Lab

Florida Rocket Lab is a student team at the University of Florida. It builds, tests, and flies liquid propellant rockets. The team has more than 80 members from many majors and backgrounds. Members work on propulsion, guidance and control, vehicle, and operations.

On June 1, 2026, the team's rocket Mirage flew. It became the first liquid bipropellant rocket to fly in University of Florida history. The augmented spark igniter lit on command. The vehicle climbed to 7,646 feet, and its recovery system returned it undamaged.

The flight set two records. It was the highest flying student liquid rocket from Florida. It was also the first American student rocket to fly and recover an augmented spark igniter in competition. The site says the flight took place at a competition in the Mojave Desert.

The team's engine is Sparrow, a 550 lbf engine. The site says the team runs repeatable hotfire tests and quick post test analysis. It builds integrated propulsion, avionics, and structures. The team is already building its next rocket.

The team says it prepares members for the workforce. Students get hands on engineering, mentorship, and technical reviews. Members also learn team leadership and documentation habits. The team reported over 250 applications in fall 2025.

The team is looking for sponsors. The site has a sponsor page, a join the team page, and a donate option. It lists Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube accounts.