Partner: Texas A&M University Rocket Teams
Product: Rockets
Industries: Aerospace, STEM Education
SendCutSend services: Laser Cutting, Waterjet Cutting, CNC Routing
At SendCutSend, we believe that big ideas deserve the right tools—and that starts with empowering the next generation of engineers and innovators. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor not one, but two student rocketry teams at Texas A&M University: the Rocket Engine Design Team (RED) and the Sounding Rocketry Team (SRT). These teams aren’t just building rockets—they’re launching careers, winning awards, and reshaping the future of student-led aerospace engineering.
Real Rockets, Real Impact
The Rocket Engine Design Team (RED) is home to Texas A&M’s first-ever liquid bipropellant rocket engine—a feat that only a few countries and about 20 universities in the U.S. can claim. With SendCutSend’s support last semester, the team hit a major milestone: building and test-firing a fully functioning engine. Now, they’re pushing even further.
“This semester, we’re aiming for three engine test fires,” said RED team member Steven Mendelsohn. “Our April test will triple our thrust and duration, and we’re adding vertical testing and throttle control. SendCutSend’s sponsorship is helping make all of this possible.”
The RED team isn’t just learning how to build rockets—they’re teaching themselves critical engineering skills that mirror industry demands. “We’re learning how to weld and develop test campaigns, source parts, about FEA (finite element analysis) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics, and, of course, fundraising!” Steven added.
The team has embraced “designing for manufacturing,” learning how to integrate custom laser cut metal parts into complex fluid and structural systems. One key example: A SendCutSend part now connects the injector plate directly to the fluid system—a custom interface that simplifies the system and reduces the risk of failure.
The team’s next major structure is a modular vertical test stand built from laser cut sheet metal and bent parts—an ambitious modular and serviceable upgrade to support future engine testing for years to come. Thanks to the precision and flexibility of SendCutSend’s services, they’re building stronger, faster, and smarter.
Advancing Rocket Systems with Waterjet Cut Parts
The Texas A&M Sounding Rocketry Team (SRT) focuses on hybrid and solid motor-powered rockets, combining disciplines like mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. Their goal? To replicate industry-level design and testing on a student-run scale—preparing students for success in the industry.
“One of the greatest challenges for any student team is manufacturing,” said SRT member Alex Hung. “SendCutSend’s extensive capabilities, including CNC routing, significantly enhance our team’s ability to create high-quality parts efficiently.”
For SRT’s next rocket, laser cut and waterjet cut parts will be critical. The entire airframe requires precision hole placements to ensure seamless integration across components. With SendCutSend’s help, they’re accelerating development timelines while improving overall performance.
Building the Future of Aerospace—One Cut at a Time
At SendCutSend, we know that hands-on experience is the ultimate teacher. These student teams are welding, modeling, simulating, and prototyping their way into careers at places like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, and more. Their success is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets opportunity—and reliable manufacturing support.
Our STEM sponsorship program is designed to help student engineers push boundaries without being held back by traditional manufacturing barriers. By giving them access to the same tools used in the aerospace industry—we’re giving them the freedom to design, test, and iterate like pros, without the lead times or budget hurdles.
We’re proud to support the talented teams at Texas A&M, and we can’t wait to see what they launch next. Follow along with their progress at @tamu_red and @tamusrt.Interested in bringing real-world manufacturing to your STEM project? Learn more about our STEM Sponsorship Program.
