University of Alaska Fairbanks students fire off a research testing rocket at the university's Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska. This video shows the countdown, launch, and recovery via helicopter after landing. Note the sonic boom as the rocket lifts off from the pad. The mission of the SRP-4 rocket is to provide science data on the D-Region Ionosphere Plasma Density while validating the performance of student-designed sub-systems from Tokai University, Toyama University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Students of UAF's College of Engineering and Mines get personal hands on experience of cutting edge projects such as this, by being able to participate in grant programs such as the Student Rocket Project. For more information, see the CEM Prospective Students page.