Emergence V: The Next Leap in High-Powered Rocketry for the Akronauts

Pictured left to right: Emergence I, Emergence II, Emergence III and Emergence IV—the Akronauts' groundbreaking rocket series showcasing their progression in high-powered rocketry and engineering innovation.

The Akronauts Rocket Design Team from The University of Akron is embarking on its most ambitious mission yet: the launch of Emergence V. This cutting-edge project represents the pinnacle of student-led innovation and solid motor technology with a goal to achieve unprecedented speeds and altitudes in collegiate rocketry.

Overview of Emergence V

Emergence V stands as the latest iteration in the Akronauts' Emergence series, which has continually pushed the boundaries of high-powered rocketry. Towering over 20 feet, this two-stage Class 3 rocket features a 6-inch diameter booster and a 4-inch diameter sustainer. It is powered by the team's custom-designed P-motor fueled by their proprietary "Angry Listerine" propellant. With a total impulse of 125,000 Newton-seconds, Emergence V aims to soar 300,000 feet and approach the Mach 5.0 speed barrier.

The rocket’s design incorporates a host of innovative technologies. The team is experimenting with hot-staging—a method to ignite the sustainer stage while the booster is still firing—marking a new chapter in their technical advancements. Additionally, their custom-built SRAD (student-researched and designed) flight computer TRACE will enhance the precision and reliability of the launch. These cutting-edge components are poised to make Emergence V a record-breaking achievement.

History of the Emergence Series

The Emergence series began as the Akronauts' inaugural project in developing entirely SRAD systems, from designing and fabricating rocket structures to formulating proprietary solid propellants.

• Emergence I (August 2021): The series launched with Emergence I, which reached 14,201 feet and broke the sound barrier at Mach 1.2. The rocket featured a 98mm motor using Angry Listerine propellant and marked the team’s first supersonic achievement. Launched at Tripoli Mid-Ohio near Columbus, Ohio, it set the foundation for future advancements.
• Emergence II (January 2022): Building on earlier successes, Emergence II climbed to 22,300 feet at Mach 1.9. This version introduced a 152mm minimum diameter motor and subminimum diameter fin retention. Black powder ejection systems were used for parachute ejection during flight as well. The team made its first trek to Mojave, California, launching at Friends of Amateur Rocketry and had the unique opportunity to tour SpaceX facilities.
• Emergence III (December 2022): The complexity increased with Emergence III, the team’s first fully SRAD two-stage rocket. It featured a 6-inch booster transitioning to a 4-inch sustainer through a new aerodynamic aluminum coupler. E3 reached 38,005 feet at Mach 2.4, doubling the speed of sound, and successfully utilized CO₂ parachute ejection. It marked the debut of an advanced variant of Angry Listerine propellant.
• Emergence IV (May 2024): Emergence IV shattered records, soaring to 58,000 feet with the team’s first Class 3 rocket powered by a P-motor. It featured a novel subminimum transition module and was the first collegiate rocket to deploy a two-stage 6-inch motor system. The booster motor reached a peak thrust of 2,500 lbf and a total impulse of nearly 50,000 Newton-seconds. This was an extreme leap for the team’s technical expertise, marking a point where they achieved a feat that many other collegiate teams have not.

Emergence V – A Bold Step Towards Space

Emergence V is designed to achieve more ambitious feats, targeting an altitude of 300,000 feet and speeds approaching Mach 5.0. This mission will feature the largest P-motor ever created by a student-led team, measuring 110 inches in length, 6 inches in diameter and delivering 4,700 lbf of maximum thrust. The propellant formulation will undergo further optimization to ensure efficiency and stability at extreme altitudes.

In addition to motor technology, the Akronauts are revolutionizing rocket manufacturing. They are leveraging XWinder technology to construct cost-effective airframes and integrating weight-optimized components such as advanced two-stage transition modules and high-speed metal fin edges. The team is also developing innovative stage separation techniques, ensuring smoother transitions between flight stages.

Emergence V is set to launch in March 2025 in Mojave, California. This mission not only embodies the Akronauts' commitment to breaking barriers but also serves as a milestone in their journey toward the ultimate goal: pushing the limits of amateur rocketry to the edge of space.

With the Emergence series as a testament to their dedication and ingenuity, the Akronauts are well on their way to redefining what’s possible in collegiate rocketry.

Interested in keeping up with the Akronauts? Contact them at uakronauts@gmail.com or visit their website at akronauts.org.

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Story by CEPS Marketing and Akronauts Rocket Design Team.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.