From SDU to the stratosphere: Students build rocket from scratch and launch it two kilometres up
For the past four years engineering students at SDU Sønderborg have been working quietly, behind the scenes. Now, they've launched their first major rocket on the island of Rømø – proving that engineering students from SDU can build the space technology of tomorrow locally with little more than soldering irons, persistence, and passion.
Let's rewind to Tuesday, 7 July. The scene: a military site on Rømø. A brief countdown – and then the rocket, Firestarter, scraping on the sky.
Home-built. High-speed. Two thousand metres, handbook ascent. A rush of adrenaline.
Home-built. High-speed. Two thousand metres, handbook ascent. A rush of adrenaline.
This isn't NASA. It's the Als Rocketry Club (ARC) from Sønderborg behind the launch – a rocket developed and built entirely from scratch by local engineering students. The launch marks the culmination of four years of dedicated work.
"This wasn't just a test. It resulted from hundreds of hours of design, electronics, combustion trials, and troubleshooting. But when you see the excitement in the eyes of the students, it's all worth it," says Arkadiusz Goszczak, lecturer and one of the founders of the club.
"The rocket is entirely ours. Built with our own hands. And that matters to us. Seeing it flying at 912 km/h and reaching an altitude of 1983 m was one of the most thrilling moments of my life."
From childhood dream to engineering project
Founded in 2020, ARC's ambitions have taken off – quite literally. What began with sugar-based hobby rockets for a few has grown into a full-blown technological testbed, albeit for a few more.
The club has tested rocket engines, experimented with liquid fuels, and now dreams of reaching an altitude of 9,000 metres – and competing at the international EuRoC competition in Portugal.
The club has tested rocket engines, experimented with liquid fuels, and now dreams of reaching an altitude of 9,000 metres – and competing at the international EuRoC competition in Portugal.
“It’s not just about rockets – they’re the medium, it’s about the engineering behind it," says Alan Mażul, a student who’s been involved for two years.
“We build, we fail, we learn – and each step forward turns anxiety into courage. That thrill of discovery is what keeps us going.”
A laboratory for the engineers of tomorrow
The project combines space technology, leadership and teamwork. The students collaborate across mechanical, electronics and software engineering, as well as project management and outreach.
Beyond nurturing their passion for aerospace, the project also shows potential employers exactly what these students are capable of.
Beyond nurturing their passion for aerospace, the project also shows potential employers exactly what these students are capable of.
"By learning from our professors and colleagues, we get to push the club forward together. It’s hands-on, it’s real — and honestly, it’s just awesome," says Alan.
But behind the scenes, the road hasn't been smooth. The club has faced financial obstacles, lacked proper facilities, and had to navigate global pandemics.
Still, with support from Head of Campus, Horst-Günter Rubahn, the highly skilled workshop personnel at SDU Sønderborg and sponsorship from local partners, the Als Rocketry Club has launched its first major project – and its sights are set even higher.
Still, with support from Head of Campus, Horst-Günter Rubahn, the highly skilled workshop personnel at SDU Sønderborg and sponsorship from local partners, the Als Rocketry Club has launched its first major project – and its sights are set even higher.
The future is liquid – and local
ARC is now continuing development of liquid-fuel rocket engines – a far more complex technology – and is planning its next launch, budget permitting.
"We have no shortage of ideas, I have brilliant, highly motivated students in the group that are constantly bringing new projects and ideas – unfortunately it's the funding that sets the limits on which direction we can go,” says Arkadiusz.
ARC is currently seeking sponsors and partners to help secure the next stage of its mission. And as they cheekily put it:
"Even though we fly faster than a Formula 1 car drives, getting a logo on the side of our rocket is still cheaper than on Lewis Hamilton's car."
FACT BOX: The Als Rocketry Club
● Founded in 2020 by Arkadiusz Goszczak and engineering students at SDU Sønderborg
● Designs and builds its rockets and rocket engines – both solid and liquid-fuelled
● First major rocket: Firestarter, launched 7 July 2025
● Goal: Participation in EuRoC and launches up to 9,000 metres
● Website: www.the-arc.dk