Southwestern Oklahoma State University
04/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2024 13:49
SWOSU Rocket Dawgs Secure Third Consecutive Argonia Cup
Argonia Cup 2024 team (left to right): Mason Hart, Senior, Engineering Physics, Enid, Okla.; Andres Arrieta (front), Senior, Engineering Physics, Weatherford, Okla.; Benjamin Smith (back), Senior, Engineering Physics, Edmond, Okla.; Cody Conrady, Junior, Engineering Physics, Canton, Okla.; Gunner Snowden, Senior, Engineering Physics, Calumet, Okla.; Jessica Massey (team co-captain), Junior, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Altus, Okla.; David Duerksen, Argonia Cup Official; Chris Svebek (team captain), Junior, Engineering Physics, Siloam Springs, Ark.; Natalie Svebek, Junior, Allied Health, Siloam Springs, Ark.; Wayne K. Trail, Club Sponsor.
The SWOSU Physics and Engineering Club's Rocket Dawgs claimed their third consecutive Argonia Cup title on Sunday, March 24. The Argonia Cup, an annual rocketry competition held in the Rocket Pasture near Argonia, Kansas each spring, saw participation from eighteen university teams this year. Among the competitors were schools such as Auburn University, University of Oklahoma, Texas A&M University, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Missouri.
The challenge of the 2024 competition centered on launching a two-stage rocket and successfully recover both sections in flightworthy condition. Scoring was calculated based on the rocket's maximum altitude (in feet) multiplied by (N/10 + 1), where N represents the number of golf balls onboard the forward stage (sustainer) of the rocket. SWOSU's rocket reached an altitude of 8,588 feet while carrying 156 golf balls, earning an impressive 142,561 points.
This year's Argonia Cup required the teams to find a balance between achieving height and carrying more payload (golf balls). After multiple trials, the Rocket Dawgs opted for a 17-foot-long, 3.4-inch diameter rocket. The design choice favored a long, narrow structure to minimize wind resistance, allowing for greater altitude without compromising structural integrity during take-off and landing.
Taking the lead on the first day of the two-day competition, the Rocket Dawgs maintained their position despite formidable challenged from other teams. By the end of Saturday, Purdue University secured second place with 120,890 points, followed by Oklahoma State University in third with 81,356 points, and Kansas State University in fourth with 26,257 points.
Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions, including 30-40mph winds and rain, led to the competition's premature conclusion on Sunday morning, resulting in unchanged final standings from Saturday's results.
In last year's competition, two-stage flights were also featured, with SWOSU winning as the sole team to complete a successful two-stage flight. This year, the drama heightened with five successful flights recorded.
The Rocket Dawgs are supported by Madeline Baugher and the Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Consortium, the SWOSU Department of Chemistry & Physics, SWOSU Alums Sharon Hodges, Brock Mason, Daniel Gassen, and the amazing members of the Tripoli Oklahoma Rocketry Club.
SWOSU is proud to congratulate the Rocket Dawgs on securing their third consecutive Argonia cup title. This incredible achievement highlights their dedication and expertise in rocketry. We look forward to celebrating their continued success.
Learn more about the SWOSU Rocket Dawgs' story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gcbt85ciSs.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.