LEVEL 1 · TROPOSPHERE · FOLLOW
Build and operate the first launch system
Create the safe ground launch infrastructure and operate the baseline launch configuration.
Launch Services
Build and operate the launch systems that get the agency's missions off the ground safely, reliably and repeatably.
Role in the agency
Launch Services own the launcher, launch vehicle configuration and launch operation. Their job grows from operating a baseline system to predicting and delivering a vehicle configuration for an external requirement.
One agency journey
All five teams work towards the same agency mission at each atmospheric level. The challenge changes from following a supplied method to creating missions from real requirements.
Level 1 · TroposphereFOLLOW
FIRST LAUNCH
Prepare and conduct the agency's first safe, measured water-rocket launch.
Level 2 · StratosphereCONTRIBUTE
IMPROVE THE LAUNCH
Build on the first launch and demonstrate evidence-based improvements.
Level 3 · MesosphereINVESTIGATE
TEST PILOT
Build and fly a more complex test vehicle and investigate performance, recovery and capability gaps.
Level 4 · ThermosphereCOORDINATE
WEATHER MISSION
Plan, resource and conduct a real environmental mission using interacting systems.
Level 5 · ExosphereCREATE
MISSION ON DEMAND
Translate an external requirement into a safe, reliable and repeatable mission with minimal teacher direction.
Launch Services — from Follow to Create
The team mission changes at each level, but always contributes to the same shared agency objective.
LEVEL 2 · STRATOSPHERE · CONTRIBUTE
Optimise the single-bottle rocket
Improve aerodynamic stability and determine the best water volume while pressure remains fixed.
LEVEL 3 · MESOSPHERE · INVESTIGATE
Engineer and test a two-bottle rocket
Create a structurally sound two-bottle vehicle and test whether the added complexity improves performance.
LEVEL 4 · THERMOSPHERE · COORDINATE
Operate a larger three-bottle launch system
Scale the vehicle and ground system while making launch decisions from environmental conditions.
LEVEL 5 · EXOSPHERE · CREATE
Deliver a payload to a specified height reliably
Use accumulated flight evidence to predict and validate the configuration needed to meet a target altitude.
Why the progression matters
Students earn capabilities. Teams earn independence. Early missions are deliberately scaffolded. As the team proves that it can plan, investigate, coordinate and make sound decisions, the scaffolding falls away.
At Exosphere the goal is not a harder worksheet. It is a team capable of taking a genuine mission requirement and working out what to do.