At Tuskegee University, a campus known for shaping trailblazers in engineering and aviation, a new chapter is taking off.
A group of students has revived the university’s rocketry program after nearly a decade of dormancy, forming TORODyne, the Tuskegee Organization for Rocketry Operations.
Their mission is straightforward but ambitious: advance high-power rocketry at Tuskegee, expand access to aerospace education, and build the only HBCU Rocketry team in the country.
Preparing for a Major High-Power Launch
TORODyne is preparing for a significant rocketry event taking place in Nevada from April 16–19, 2026.
According to the team’s GoFundMe campaign, their goal is to build and launch a high-power rocket capable of participating in one of the country’s most demanding experimental rocketry environments.
The team is raising funds to cover materials, engineering components, equipment, travel, and lodging for roughly 20 student members who will travel to Nevada to represent Tuskegee on a national stage.
Their GoFundMe describes several cost categories, including registration fees, hazmat shipping for rocket materials, replacement parts, community outreach efforts, equipment needs, and the development of a rocket for the Argonia Cup.
Reviving a Program After 10 Years
TORODyne notes that Tuskegee’s rocketry program was dormant for about 10 years before the current group of students rebuilt it as a student-led nonprofit.
Their GoFundMe page emphasizes that they are now one of the most active high-power rocketry groups among HBCUs, and the only HBCU team of its kind.
Members documented their rebuild on Instagram, showing lab sessions, simulations, fabrication work, and early rocket components.
Their presence has grown steadily through social media and a renewed push to organize the team around engineering, education, and outreach.
Connecting STEM and Community
In addition to their technical work, TORODyne has also committed to STEM outreach.
Their posts highlight hands-on activities with school-aged children, giving younger students the chance to learn about flight, propulsion, and engineering fundamentals.
Their GoFundMe includes a dedicated line item for community outreach, underscoring that their work extends beyond campus and contributes to STEM exposure within the surrounding area.
The Bigger Picture
TORODyne’s efforts stand out not only for their technical goals but also for what they represent.
As the only HBCU Rocketry team in the country, their presence challenges the lack of representation in aerospace fields and creates new opportunities for students at Tuskegee to gain experience in advanced engineering disciplines.
Their participation in national high-power rocketry events places Tuskegee in direct conversation with major engineering programs across the country, continuing the university’s long-standing legacy of innovation, aviation history, and hands-on technical leadership.
How to Support Their Mission
As of their latest update, TORODyne has raised more than $83,000 toward their $100,000 goal.
Funds will support rocket materials, travel to Nevada, safety and launch equipment, community outreach, and the continued development of their high-power rocketry program.
