Discover Space UK, a partnership between Exotopic and Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC), hosted Mach-24 Launch Competition & Conference between 10-14th July 2024. This thrilling event saw 19 universities, 140 students from the UK and beyond, design, build, and launch rockets and mini satellites in the size of a soda can, reaching heights up to 3km.
Originally launched by Exotopic Ltd during the pandemic, the Mach-series aims to upskill students with hands-on science and engineering experience, fostering teamwork across diverse fields. After a successful debut, the competition evolved from building small satellites to launching rockets each summer from a UK Spaceport.
Participants gain valuable insights into UK Space Industry careers, meet potential employers, and receive hands-on training in safety and technical skills through expert-led workshops. The competition now includes a sustainability focus, urging students to incorporate space-based solar power into their designs.
The competition continues to bridge the skills gap in the space sector by involving students in ground breaking projects and encouraging them to apply a broad range of STEM skills.
Spaceport Machrihanish, operated by Discover Space UK, is focused on advancing R&D skills and capabilities in spaceflight technologies and operations, inspiring and training a generation of space specialists.
Student Quotes
Great opportunity to see full design cycle, building skills across engineering.
Sean Reynolds, University of Limerick
It has been a fantastic opportunity to launch our second rocket. We’ve really enjoyed learning all about recovery methods, a beeper was successful! We’re looking forward to returning next year.
Zoe, University of Southampton