Ateneo de Davao University’s rocketry team returned to the international stage with an upgraded supersonic rocket, Siklab, competing in the 30,000 ft. division of the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). 

Representing the Philippines as the sole Filipino team in the global event, the team aimed to surpass their successful 2023 debut of the rocket Sibol in the 10,000 ft. Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) category.

This year’s launch, however, was cut short when Siklab exploded mid-flight shortly after reaching maximum speed.

While the team had reviewed potential risks in the days leading up to the launch, project head Avery Clyde Dimasuhid said the specific mode of failure had not been anticipated.

According to Dimasuhid, the rocket started to experience problems when it reached its maximum speed. 

“It’s just when it reached the maximum speed, where it also reached 22 Gs of force, which is way greater than how we simulated our rocket to be.”

In their post-flight analysis, they found that the failure stemmed from the forward closure of the propulsion unit coming loose during flight.

“It’s supposed to work since it comes from a manufacturer, but because it wasn’t secured with an adhesive [as it should be], and the extreme loads it experienced, it disassembled regardless.”

Ateneo de Davao University professor Rodion Herrera explained that the rocket experienced RUD or rapid unscheduled disassembly after it exploded mid-flight.

“The commentator said it was a CATO or catastrophe after take off, however I think it flew well for a while, and the anomaly happened mid-flight.”

Despite the explosion, the team remained grounded in their purpose to showcase Filipino innovation in rocketry and gain ground in a highly competitive field.

“The goal has truly been to stand with the giants in a technology that has already been fleshed out and explored by other countries,” Dimasuhid said.

Chair of the Aerospace Engineering Department Dr. Rogel Mari Sese echoed the sentiment, highlighting the team’s broader contribution to Philippine science and innovation.

“We want to show to the world that Filipinos can also make rockets. We want to show that the Philippines is now joining the rest of the world in exploring outer space for the benefit of mankind.”

Sese also emphasized that such failures are an essential part of engineering advancement.

“In this field, failures are as equally instructive as successes. Ultimately, the process is one of continuous refinement, where growth is achieved through perseverance, grit and hardwork.”

Dimasuhid said the experience motivated the team to continue improving their work, citing the importance of adaptability in the industry.

“It’s about learning to let go and instilling that growth mindset, especially in an area and industry that is so volatile and uncertain despite spending resources, time, and effort just to ensure certainty,” Dimasuhid said.

“Fortunately for us, it wasn’t something that we took so hard as a team that could definitely drag us down…it encouraged us to continue our work and best our current efforts.”

The Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition was held in Midland, Texas, from June 9-14.