Walk into any student workshop at midnight during collegiate rover or rocket challenge season, and you’ll see a scene that rivals professional aerospace labs — welding sparks flying, 3D printers humming, students debating propulsion trade-offs over cold pizza. It might look like chaos, but it’s actually the birthplace of the next generation of aerospace innovators.

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

Doug Milburn is a long-time serial entrepreneur and innovator who has brought his vision and passion to manufacturing, engineering, software development and process engineering for more than 35 years. Milburn is proudly based in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia,...