Filipino students to compete in Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico

Photo from Ateneo de Davao University

Skyrocketing to become the first Filipinos to qualify for the biggest intercollegiate rocket engineering competition in the world, students from Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) are all set to represent the country with their entry “Sibol.”

A high-powered rocket named “Sibol,” has earned them a place in the 2024 Spaceport America Cup – Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (SAC-IREC), marking a milestone for the Philippines in the global aerospace engineering arena.

The Spaceport America Cup, scheduled to take place from June 17-22 in Southern New Mexico, will bring together over 1,700 students and faculty members from more than 150 institutions worldwide.

These participants are drawn by the opportunity to collaborate and compete at a world-class spaceport facility. The event is one of the most highly anticipated in collegiate rocketry, showcasing cutting-edge research and development in aerospace engineering.

“Sibol,” which means “growth” in Filipino, is a high-powered rocket designed to carry an 8.8-pound payload to an altitude of 10,000 feet. The AdDU Rocketry Team successfully passed the rigorous Flight Readiness Review (FRR).

This qualification for the 10k Commercial Off-the-Shelf category is the culmination of months of meticulous preparation and dedication, which they shared in a press release, with the FRR serving as a crucial validation of their rocket’s readiness for launch.

More than just a competition entry, “Sibol” represents the broader aspirations of the AdDU Rocket Development Program, known as Project Sugod, which translates to “moving forward.”

This initiative aims to advance Philippine aerospace engineering and inspire future innovations, positioning the country as a burgeoning player in the field. The team’s success underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and fostering a spirit of innovation.

The AdDU Rocketry Team’s journey to the Spaceport America Cup has not only highlighted Filipino talent on the global stage but also serves as an inspiration for young engineers across the nation.

The team hopes their success will attract sponsors to support further development of homegrown technology, enabling continued progress in Philippine aerospace endeavors.