Date added: 2026-06-15
A rocket by Gdańsk Tech students ranking among the best in the world
R7 Orzeł is a rocket over four metres long capable of reaching an altitude of three kilometres. The structure was entirely designed and built by students of the Gdańsk University of Technology. It is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, original avionics and a state-of-the-art ground station.
The FAR-OUT 2026 competition is organised by Friends of Amateur Rocketry. It is an international event for university rocket-building teams, during which participants test engines and avionics systems and conduct flights under conditions similar to those encountered in professional settings. Rockets are launched at a specially prepared training ground in California’s Mojave Desert.
A successful launch and full recovery of the rocket
The R7 Orzeł rocket was launched on 31 May at 11 pm Polish time. It was the highlight of many months of preparation, which included design, construction, testing and the logistics of the trip to the United States.
"On 31 May at 11 pm Polish time, the R7 Orzeł rocket took off into the air. This is the culmination of months of hard work and proof that the SimBa rocket programme can reach for the stars,” said Amelia Michalewska, deputy coordinator of the SimBa project.
As she pointed out, it was particularly important not only to launch the rocket, but also to recover it in full after the flight.
"We arrived in the Mojave Desert at dawn with one goal in mind: to launch Orzeł. We were prepared and determined to achieve it. Everything went perfectly, and the team worked really well together. We managed to launch our rocket and recover it in full. We are very proud of our Orzeł," added Amelia Michalewska.
International success of Gdańsk Tech students
The result achieved at FAR-OUT 2026 places students from the Gdańsk University of Technology among the world’s leading academic rocket designers. This is an important achievement for the SimBa rocket programme, run by members of the SimLE Research Club.
Work on R7 Orzeł required combining expertise from a wide range of engineering disciplines. The students were responsible, among other things, for the rocket’s design, hybrid propulsion system, original avionics, ground station and the preparation of launch procedures. The result of their work was a design that could compete with the best academic teams in the world.
About the project
The Gdańsk University of Technology is implementing project No. N29 entitled ‘R7 Rocket: development and construction of a hybrid rocket and a mobile launch station as part of the SimLE Research Club at the Gdańsk University of Technology, and participation in the international FAR-OUT competition’, with a budget of PLN 166,524.82.
The project was co-funded by a grant awarded under the European Funds for Social Development non-competitive project entitled ‘Support for students in developing their competences and skills’, implemented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.