This school year, a new club was born at MHS. The Manhattan Aeronautical and Space Administration is a model rocketry club whose name mirrors NASA. As you’d expect, their club explores everything space-related. Their specific project goal is to develop a model rocket to cradle eggs and design the rocket to keep the eggs safe without cracking. 

“The club is about involving others into learning about space and model rocketry, combining learning and innovation,” junior member Aeden Grey said. “Our goal this year is to establish MASA as an official club and gain more people and sponsors to help support us.”

So far, the club has planned out models for rockets, hosted some gaming competitions, and has continued advertising to grow their participant pool. They have also started to CAD some rockets and talk about their ideas to keep the eggs safe for the competition. 

The group, which is now 12 strong members, has a strong passion for Nintendo games, which is what they play during their gaming competitions. Through those events they hope to grow their following and invite new members to the club. 

The ultimate goal for the club, however, is to participate in the American Rocketry Challenge, which is an annual national and international competition. 

“We have applied for a local grant to help support our entry into the competition, which is $160, and the rest is materials costs” junior Patrick Huser said. 

In the meantime, the group is working towards reaching official club status, and they hope to enter the competition the next calendar year, with the international event being hosted in France.

Those interested in joining MASA should contact Huser, Grey, or their faculty sponsor, Ethan Shippy.