Our Crowdfunding Groups
The Buckeye Space Launch Initiative (BSLI) is an interdisciplinary organization of over 100 ambitious undergraduate students with a shared vision of student-led spaceflight. Our mission is to launch high powered rockets and foster the growth of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds in pursuit of reaching space. To engage with the world of intercollegiate rocketry, we participate in the international Spaceport America Cup annually. Our work spans all types of engineering disciplines, including propulsion systems, avionics, telemetry, aerodynamics, control systems, structures, and manufacturing techniques. In 2017, BSLI won first place at the Spaceport America Cup in the 30,000 ft SRAD category.
In order to compete each year, we rely on support from private and corporate sponsors to help us make The Buckeye Space Launch Initiative a great experience for all participating students. Contributions not only allow us to apply knowledge and academic experience to real world problems, but also builds traits of teamwork, determination, creativity, and leadership in a collaborative environment. We strive to maintain a close bond with our sponsors so that benefits are realized for both parties. As the team expands as expected, further perks and opportunities for sponsor publicity may arise.
With your contributions, our team can continue to grow and help students find interest in rocketry. Through your donations, you will help us promote space exploration and rocketry here at The Ohio State University. For more information, please visit us at our website.
To begin teaching new members the basics of rocketry we start by building model rockets and learning the different components of a rocket. By supporting this area, we will be able to teach and motivate more students to become engaged with high power rocketry.
In order for the team to build basic components of the rocket, certain materials are needed. These materials include tape, glue, makers, rulers, screwdrivers, bolts, nuts, screws and many more. By supporting this area, we will be able to begin the construction of our rockets for competition.
In order for the team to build complex components of the rocket, certain fabrication is needed. Fabrication includes getting different materials machined for a high cost. By supporting this area, we will be able to continue designing more complex components allowing us to reach higher altitudes.
The Rocketeer Fee will help pay for all the costs that are directly related to students from Ohio State participating at the annual competition. By supporting this area, we are able to send more students to competition.
In order for the team to succeed every year, testing must be done before competition. Testing includes traveling to a launch site, preparing rockets for a launch, and supporting students who attend. By supporting this area, we can test our rockets more than just once to assure success every year.
In order to register our rockets at completion we must pay this rocket fee. By supporting this area, we are able to register more rockets, which means more projects for students to work on for competition.
There are many critical things that the team can purchase with full support. Some of these things include composites, adhesives, wood/plastics, safety equipment, machinery/tools and many more. With full support students on the team will also have a higher chance of participating at the competition. Expenses for the cross-country trip include fuel, hotel rooms, water, food, transportation and many more. By supporting this area, the team has room to bring on more students onboard.
