Albuquerque CAP Students Launch Rockets at Spaceport America

NMSU and Civil Air Patrol teams test designs, earn certifications at New Mexico spaceport

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Students from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol Group NM-079 recently concluded a series of rocket launches at Spaceport America in southern New Mexico. The event, coordinated with the NMSU competition rocketry team, the Atomic Aggies, provided an opportunity for both collegiate and cadet rocketry enthusiasts to test their designs and gain practical experience.

Why it matters

The collaboration between NMSU and the Civil Air Patrol underscores a growing trend of partnerships between academic institutions and youth organizations to promote STEM education. These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists by providing hands-on learning experiences and fostering a passion for space exploration.

The details

The launches were spearheaded by Joshua Davila, a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student at NMSU who also serves as President and Solid Propulsions Lead for the Atomic Aggies. Davila invited seven American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) teams from across the region to utilize the Spaceport America facilities for preliminary launches. The NMSU contingent participating in the launches represented the Atomic Aggies Rocketry Team, with ten team members earning Level 1 certifications from the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) through successful launches reaching altitudes of up to 1,700 feet. The Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol team, led by Lt. Col. Michael O'Dell, utilized the launches to conduct three test flights in preparation for the upcoming American Rocketry Challenge (ARC).

  • The launches took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) will be held in May of 2026.

The players

Joshua Davila

A Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student at NMSU who serves as President and Solid Propulsions Lead for the Atomic Aggies, NAR Section #982.

Atomic Aggies Rocketry Team

The NMSU competition rocketry team that participated in the launches at Spaceport America.

Lt. Col. Michael O'Dell

The leader of the Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol team that conducted three test flights at Spaceport America.

Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol Group NM-079

The Civil Air Patrol team that participated in the launches at Spaceport America.

Spaceport America

The commercial spaceport located in southern New Mexico that hosted the rocket launches.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We, the Atomic Aggies, are incredibly proud of the growing community of local rocketry enthusiasts we are building connections with. We're thrilled to have local American rocketry challenge teams joining us for launches at Spaceport America.”

— Joshua Davila, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student, NMSU; President and Solid Propulsions Lead, Atomic Aggies

“The annual American Rocketry Challenge provides our Civil Air Patrol cadets a five-month long hands-on science and engineering challenge, and they love it.”

— Lt. Col. Michael O'Dell, Leader, Albuquerque Civil Air Patrol Group NM-079

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The success of the recent launches at Spaceport America demonstrates the potential for continued growth in student rocketry programs. The availability of facilities like Spaceport America, coupled with the dedication of educators and mentors, is creating a fertile ground for innovation and inspiring a new wave of aspiring aerospace professionals.