Durham University Spaceflight has officially broken the UK Rocketry Association’s Open Altitude Record with Rosemary 2, a student-built high-powered rocket that reached an apogee of 11.4 km (≈37,000 feet) and a top speed of Mach 2.2.
The rocket launched from the Friends of Amateur Rocketry site in California’s Mojave Desert last September, following a 9-week design and build sprint by Durham students. The project brought together expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, electronics and manufacturing—delivering a supersonic, record-breaking vehicle in under three months.
Key flight stats:
Apogee: 11.4 km
Top Speed: Mach 2.2
Total Impulse: 14,271 Ns
Max Thrust: 2,567.8 N
Burn Time: 7.2 seconds
Rosemary 2 features a carbon fibre airframe, a 3D-printed aluminium fin can, and CNC-machined detachable fins—each element optimised for maximum altitude. The team carried out back-to-back launches over two days: Rosemary 2B secured the UKRA record, while Rosemary 2A later soared to 18.4 km at Mach 3.3, making it the highest and fastest amateur rocket flight in UK history.
The launch campaign, carried out in remote desert conditions, was a hands-on test of engineering skill, teamwork and rapid problem-solving. From late-night electronics troubleshooting to engine integration with minutes to spare, every stage pushed the team’s capabilities.
Durham University Spaceflight extends sincere thanks to its sponsors: Nascent Semiconductor, Kratos Defence and Security Solutions, VIPER RF, Pearson Engineering Ltd, Ansys, and the Department of Physics, whose support was instrumental to the project’s success.
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