Limerick students aiming for successful launch at international rocket competition 

The UL Aeronautical Society will launch its newly developed rocket, Morrígu, capable of reaching altitudes up to 3km

With the rocket Morrígu are David Ward, training development specialist, Atlantic Aviation Group. Sean Reynolds, Karl Gilmartin, Ben O’Driscoll and Susan Keating, chief commercial officer, Atlantic Aviation Group. Pictures: Eamon Ward

A team of engineering students from the University of Limerick (UL) is competing in Europe’s premier rocket design competition, the Mach-24 Conference, held at Spaceport Machrihanish in Argyll, Scotland.

The UL Aeronautical Society (ULAS) will launch its newly developed rocket, Morrígu, capable of reaching altitudes up to 3km.

Launched in late 2022, the ULAS High-Powered Rocketry (HiPR) division provides students with hands-on experience in rocket building and launching.

The team, consisting of more than 35 students from various disciplines, works on projects such as Sionna, Sionna 2, TVC, and Mach-24.

The Mach-24 conference, organised by Discover Space UK, is a leading university-focused event that promotes collaboration and innovation in aerospace technology.

It allows university teams to showcase their rocket designs and compete, driving advancements in the field.

Supported by Atlantic Aviation Group, the Morrígu rocket features a 100mm body diameter, a deployable mini-satellite, an AI-powered onboard camera, and weighs 8kg.

With the rocket Morrígu are Susan Keating, chief commercial officer, Atlantic Aviation Group, David Ward, training development specialist, Atlantic Aviation Group, Sean Reynolds, Karl Gilmartin, and Ben O’Driscoll.

Susan Keating, chief commercial officer of Atlantic Aviation Group, praised the “innovative and ambitious HiPR team”. 

“Their dedication to advancing aerospace engineering and providing hands-on experience to students aligns with our commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals," Ms Keating said.

"We look forward to seeing the team launch Morrígu and continuing their work into the future.” 

Daire O’Sullivan, ULAS-HiPR captain, said: “We are extremely grateful to have Atlantic Aviation Group supporting ULAS HiPR.

"Through Mach-24 and our other projects, HiPR is creating opportunities and capabilities in space science and engineering for students in UL and nationwide.

"Partnering with AAG enables these ambitions and provides important exposure.”