Student-led team launches record-setting rocket from Spaceport America

SPACEPORT AMERICA - A team from the University of Southern California is likely the first college team to launch a rocket that reached the Kármán Line.

The record-breaking launch happened April 21 at Spaceport America, a commercial spaceport located in southern New Mexico.

Spaceport America reported USC students and alumni cheered alongside Spaceport America crew members as the Traveler IV rocket soared past the previously held apogee to bring the record to USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. 

"Spaceport America believes that, with a high level of confidence, USC RPL is the first student rocket team to have reached the Kármán Line with a student designed and constructed vehicle, and we congratulate them accordingly," said  Bill Gutman, Spaceport America director of aerospace operations.

The Kármán Line is roughly 62 miles above sea level, and according to some, the boundary between earth's atmosphere and space.

Analysis indicates that the USC Traveler IV reached an altitude of 64 miles.

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