In the halls of Bartlett Hall at the United States Military Academy, the Army Rocketry and Engineering Science (ARES) team is shaping the future of military leadership in an increasingly technologically driven world. Established in the fall of 2021, the team started as a modest endeavor, focused primarily on teaching cadets the fundamentals of rocketry. Today, it has transformed into a sophisticated platform for developing the next generation of space professionals crucial for addressing national security challenges.
The rocketry team was conceived with a grand vision—to ignite a passion for STEM among cadets and to prepare them to navigate and lead in a high-stakes global environment. This vision has evolved significantly, with the team now standing at the forefront of military academic research in space technologies.
In April 2023, the team marked its first participation in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative (SLI), where they clinched the Service Academy Award and the Rookie of the Year title. Their mission involved designing a launch vehicle capable of delivering a scientific payload to a precise altitude, demonstrating West Point’s commitment to precision and innovation in aerospace technology.
Army Maj. Robert Perez-Alemany, Officer in Charge and Founder for the rocketry team, highlights the evolution of the team from competitive rocket builders to a scholarly group addressing key technological areas like small satellite exploration and rocket propellant development. “These initiatives are not just academic exercises; they are directly aligned with the Army’s growing focus on space as a strategic domain,” Perez-Alemany said.
Cadet Ellery Doyna, Class of '26, explains that 2024 is the rocketry team’s second participation in the NASA Student Launch Initiative and provided insights into the complexity and technical rigor of their projects. The team's engagement in the NASA competition is an example of how military academies are actively contributing to the nation’s space readiness. The rocketry team has successfully introduced projects such as the development of solid rocket propellant and the design of small satellites in collaboration with the Naval Academy, setting a precedent for inter-academy cooperation in space technology.
The projects undertaken by the rocketry team serve dual purposes: enhancing the technical competencies of cadets and directly contributing to the strategic capabilities of the Army in the realm of space operations. The ability to develop, test and launch payloads into space represents a critical capability in the context of national security, where space is increasingly becoming a contested domain.
Furthermore, the rocketry team’s work in building a diverse team of cadets from various engineering and science disciplines exemplifies the comprehensive approach required to tackle complex national security challenges. With cadets specializing in everything from Space Science to Mechanical Engineering, the rocketry team is fostering a multidisciplinary environment that mirrors the collaborative efforts needed in real-world military scenarios.
Seeing the transformation from classmates with no knowledge of aerospace into a competitive team confronting complex challenges was the most rewarding aspect of the project for Doyna.
“This experience has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all involved, showcasing what can be achieved through dedication and collective effort at West Point,” Doyna said.
The work of the rocketry team at West Point is a critical component of the Army’s strategy to maintain technological superiority in the new frontier of space—bridging the gap between ground combat and space operations. As these cadets transition into future military leaders, their experiences with rocketry will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges of national security in the 21st century and beyond.
This project is part of West Point's 25th annual Projects Day Research Symposium that showcases more than 450 cadet-led research projects. Learn more about the Departments of Physics and Nuclear Science (https://bit.ly/WP_PANE) and Civil and Mechanical Engineering (https://bit.ly/WP_CME), and check out more project features at https://www.westpoint.edu/werx.
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