MORE THAN A CLUB
150+ Active mEMBERS, 20+ aCTIVE PROJECTS, 3 WORLD RECORDS, 100+ eNGINE teSTS
The Rocket Development Lab (RDL) is an undergraduate student organization at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. Our members design, build, test, and fly advanced rocket systems while developing and teaching the technical and leadership skills required for careers in engineering industries.
Students from a wide range of majors and class years contribute to RDL’s work. New members are trained through hands-on mentorship and project-based learning, while experienced members lead increasingly complex technical programs.
RDL’s mission is not only to build rockets, but to build engineers. By placing students in real engineering roles with real design reviews, hardware deadlines, and test campaigns, the organization develops the next generation of engineering leaders.
Our long-term goal is clear: develop the technology, people, and infrastructure required to send student-built rockets farther, faster, and ultimately to space.
Dakota Cate
PRESIDENT
Want to get in touch with the RDL? Contact Dakota Cate at CATED@my.erau.edu
Dakota Cate
Joshua Wilkison
Brendan McGovern
Trevor Aden
Hunter Liggett
Robert Thomas
Harris Thorp-Maloney
The Team
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Marketing
Safety
Member Engagement
Division Leads
Liquids Propulsion
Solids Propulsion
Hybrids Propulsion
Guidance, Nav., & Control
Hobby Rockets
Lucas Morgan
Rachel Kohm
William Adams
Lundon Salley
Chad Alumbaugh
oUTREACH AND eDUCATION
We can only continue to teach and learn with your help!
A core part of our mission
A central mission of the RDL is to educate our members, high school students, and the public about engineering and rocketry. We believe aerospace should be inspiring, accessible, and hands-on. By connecting people directly with real vehicles, real hardware, and real engineers, we help turn interest into understanding.
RDL supports education and outreach through a range of activities, including science and engineering events, facility tours, classroom engagement, public demonstrations, and educational media. Our members create technical and introductory content that helps explain rocketry concepts in ways that are exciting and approachable. We also work with schools and student groups to introduce younger students to aerospace engineering, propulsion, testing, and flight systems. These interactions give students the opportunity to see what practical engineering looks like and to imagine themselves pursuing similar paths.
How we engage
Our Mentor
FACULTY MENTOR
Professor Gerrick has served as Embry-Riddle’s Mechanical Engineering Department Chair and is vital to the success in the Rocket Development Lab.
You can read more about him here.