The Lone Star Cup
The Largest Rocket Engineering Competition in Texas
What we do.
The Lone Star Cup is a rocketry competition showcasing the talent and innovation of Texas-based rocketry teams. Held at the Tripoli North Texas launch site in Seymour, Texas, this event will also serve as an opportunity for teams to conduct test flights in preparation for the Spaceport America Cup. Participants will compete in three altitude categories: 5,000 ft, 10,000 ft, and 30,000 ft, with performance evaluated through Barrowman scoring to determine the most stable and accurate flights. Beyond the technical achievements, the Lone Star Cup will also feature a Texas-style barbecue, providing the chance for sponsors, participants, and spectators to network and enjoy the vibrant culture that makes Texas special.
Brief History
In 2023, a Discord server was created as a central hub for teams across Texas to network, share progress, and improve their chances of success in the IREC competition. At some point in 2023 after the creation of this server, the idea of the Lone Star Cup originated. The idea came from a similar competition that takes place with the New Mexico rocketry teams. Toward the end of 2024, the concept finally gained traction as involvement from the universities across Texas increased. After moving rather rapidly, March 2025 will be the first Lone Star Cup competition to be held, setting the groundwork for a tradition that will hopefully last for years to come.
Why We Do it
The Lone Star Cup was created to unite the brightest collegiate rocketry teams in Texas, fostering a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and competition. By designing, building, and launching high-powered rockets, students gain hands-on experience in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and project management. The challenge of pushing the limits of altitude, precision, and performance drives teams to develop cutting-edge technology while honing critical problem-solving skills.
As Texas rises to become the emerging epicenter of aerospace innovation and bold ambitions, the Lone Star Cup serves as a proving ground for the engineers and visionaries who will shape the industry’s future. This competition fuels their passion, offering real-world challenges that mirror the pressures of the aerospace sector—from managing budgets and timelines to overcoming technical hurdles. More than just a competition, the Lone Star Cup is a launchpad for the next generation of aerospace pioneers, solidifying Texas as the frontier of innovation in rocketry and beyond.
Judging Criteria Overview
Teams can compete in any of the three categories: 5,000ft, 10,000ft, or a 30,000 ft apogee. They will be scored based on the accuracy of their rocket’s measured apogee compared to the predicted values. A Barrowman scoring system will be employed, which calculates a score based on the accuracy of the rocket's apogee compared to predicted values. This scoring system dictates that the team with the highest score will receive first place. The judging process for the Lone Star Cup will be transparent and structured to evaluate each team's performance comprehensively.
- Scoring: The scoring will be conducted by a small group of team leads who will confer with the teams on their recorded altitudes and report the final result to the Tripoli North Texas committee.
- Awards Ceremony: The Teams will gather around a central location and Ray Shepard (President of Tripoli North Texas) will announce the winners after cleanup.