About the course

Sounding rockets, or research rockets, are data-collecting spacecraft carrying scientific instruments to conduct short experiments during sub-orbital flight. They are typically used to test and calibrate satellite and spacecraft instrumentation, and fly for less than 30 minutes. Efficient and cost-effective, sounding rockets are small enough to launch from remote or temporary sites, and their experiments can be developed in about six months.

　　Rocketry has been fundamental to LASP and CU Boulder since 1948, when LASP began as the Upper Air Laboratory (UAL). UAL was created by CU-Boulder physicists a decade before NASA to study Earth’s atmosphere and develop a stabilized platform for instruments launched aboard sub-orbital rockets. UAL became LASP in 1965 and began expanding its capabilities into solar-observing spacecraft, Earth atmospheric satellites, and space and planetary sciences. However, LASP maintains its foundational expertise in rocketry, and our Rocket Program remains dynamic today with a focus on sounding rockets. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Fall (August), 2024	Denver
Fall (August), 2025	Denver
Fall (August), 2026	Denver

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Colorado - Boulder

A thorough undergraduate preparation in physics and mathematics is necessary for graduate study. Courses should include thermodynamics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, atomic physics, and mathematics at least through complex variables and differential equations. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of planetary science, a broader range of undergraduate preparation is considered. The Graduate Record Examination general aptitude tests are required for application to our department. IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL ibt: 75, TOEFL pbt: 537

　　University Requirement: Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or have done work equivalent to that required for such a degree. Have adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen field. Have at least a 2.75 (2.00=C) undergraduate grade point average.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 75.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of Colorado - Boulder. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　138th / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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