From High School Rockets to Aerospace Engineering

When Aerospace Engineering student Aaryan Nagarkatti (’28) first joined a local rocketry club in New York as a middle schooler, he didn’t realize it would launch a path straight to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Surrounded by like-minded students, he was introduced to the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) — an experience that fueled his lifelong interest in aerospace.

“The idea of designing and building rockets with friends sounded pretty cool,” he recalled. “Through this challenge, I’d learn much more about model rocketry as a whole and various team-specific lessons.”

That early spark grew into leadership. As founder of the Westboro High Rocket Club, Nagarkatti not only designed and launched rockets but also mentored younger teammates. “Passing experience forward was crucial, as it gave a framework for others to teach future members.”

The American Rocketry Challenge

ARC is the world’s largest student rocket competition, encouraging middle and high school students to explore aerospace through hands-on, team-based challenges. Sponsored by organizations like the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), teams design, build and launch rockets that must meet specific mission goals.

Since its founding, ARC has engaged over 100,000 students nationwide, helping them apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering problems. Participants learn to test, adapt and problem solve — skills that prepare them for future careers in aerospace and STEM.

Embry-Riddle proudly supports this mission through the ARC Scholarship, awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, innovation and perseverance through the competition. For recipients like Nagarkatti, the scholarship not only provides financial support but also recognizes their dedication to advancing aerospace education.

“Aside from extra aid, it’s a symbol of progression from a high school space initiative to the professional space industry,” Nagarkatti said.

Tackling Challenges and Innovating with ARC

Success in ARC required more than just building rockets — it meant learning how to adapt under pressure. For Nagarkatti ‘s team, logistics proved to be one of the toughest hurdles.

“The weather was constantly changing, and taking data points of everything was crucial,” he explained. “Getting adequate people to help during a launch and recovery operation was another challenge, as all of us had our own schedules to manage, too. We made sure to assign roles and keep a dedicated group for launch operations so we could always have someone of expertise — and hopefully someone to learn alongside.”

His team also experimented with spin stabilization, using simple and cost-effective attachments to improve flight consistency. The solution worked.

“This was huge for us because it was simple, cost-efficient and didn’t need an extensive R&D period to get put into action. Even more valuable than the technical breakthroughs were the lessons in teamwork,” he explained.

“The biggest lessons from ARC were the non-technical skills. I learned that we also needed to ensure a healthy team dynamic. This was very challenging in the first year, but by my senior year, the new recruits had already begun to run their own show.”

Growing at Embry-Riddle

Now pursuing a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, Nagarkatti continues to push his limits. He serves as a team lead in the Icarus Sounding Rocket Program and represented the U.S. on the 2025 Space Modeling Team, an international model rocketry competition group.

His coursework has been just as rewarding. “I loved EGR 120 — Graphical Communications — because it involved computer-aided design (CAD), one of my favorite subjects. The freedom to make a final project and present it ‘professional-style’ felt rewarding and insightful.”

Even before enrolling, Nagarkatti knew Embry-Riddle was the right fit. “Embry-Riddle was special because it was an aviation-themed university,” he said. “Being able to live next to an airport, see rocket launches from my dorm window and live with fellow space enthusiasts sounded like something five-year-old me would want to do.”

That enthusiasm hasn’t faded. “Everywhere you go here, there’s something being built or tested,” he said. “It’s really inspiring to see what students are capable of.”

From wind tunnels and propulsion labs to simulation facilities and research opportunities, Embry-Riddle provides the tools to turn classroom theory into real-world innovation.

Looking Toward the Future

Nagarkatti’s long-term goals include contributing to the space launch industry or pursuing research and teaching in academia. He credits Embry-Riddle’s hands-on environment and diverse community for helping him grow personally and professionally.

“Growth opportunities lie in clubs, classes and friends of all walks of life. Socializing with people of various perspectives — especially international students — changed my own ways of thinking for the better several times.”

For current ARC participants considering Embry-Riddle, his advice is simple: “Swing by campus and talk to students and orgs. There’s a variety of perspectives outside of the traditional admissions booklet.”

And if he could dream up his ultimate mission? “I’d definitely love to colonize Enceladus, the moon of Saturn. Apart from being insanely cold, the mystery of the oceans that lie underneath feels like a crossover between the movie Atlantis and Star Trek!”

From a curious middle schooler to a university scholar, Nagarkatti’s journey reflects how the American Rocketry Challenge can ignite a lifelong passion — and how Embry-Riddle helps students turn that passion into a career-ready future.