National competition

NASA Student Launch — Team

  • National Champion — Northrop Grumman2020, 2019
  • National Champion — Orbital ATK2018, 2016, 2015, 2014
  • National Champion — ATK2013
  • Second Place Overall — National Space Club2021, 2017
  • Third Place Overall2012, 2011
  • Rocket Design Award2020
  • Payload Design Award2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Design, review & outreach

NASA Student Launch — Excellence

  • Educational Engagement Award2023, 2021, 2017, 2014, 2012
  • Project Review Award2019, 2016, 2014
  • Closest to Altitude Award2023, 2014, 2009
  • Website Design Award2015, 2014, 2010
  • Rocket Fair Award2017
National & global honors

AIAA & International

  • Abe Zarem Award for Distinguished Achievement in AstronauticsChris Lyne2017
  • Abe Zarem Educator AwardProf. Amrutur Anilkumar2017
  • AIAA Faculty Adviser of the YearProf. Amrutur Anilkumar2016
  • AIAA Associate FellowProf. Amrutur Anilkumar2012
  • Pierre Contensou Medal — 3AF / IAFChris Lyne2016
University honors & research grants

Vanderbilt & Fellowships

  • Founder's MedalLuke Neise2020
  • Chancellor's CupProf. Anilkumar2017
  • VUSE Award for Excellence in TeachingProf. Anilkumar2007
  • NSF Graduate Research FellowshipsKush Hari, Luke Neise, Rebecca Riley, Kevin Bush2014–23
  • NDSEG FellowshipsConner Morency, Kis Tamas, Chris Lyne, Sam Nackman2011–21
  • NASA NSTRF FellowshipChris Lyne2019
A sampling of two decades of regional recognition

AIAA Regional — Tennessee & Region II

  • Special Awards for Outstanding MentorshipWilliam Emfinger, Ben Gasser2016
  • Outstanding Outreach LeadershipRebecca Riley2016
  • Region II Graduate Division, 2ndChris Lyne2016
  • Region II Undergraduate Division, 2ndPatrick Foran2014
  • Region II Undergraduate Division, 2ndZach Smith, Chris Lioi2011
  • Region II Team Division, 2ndStudent Launch Team2013, 2008
  • Special Award — NASA USLI ChampionshipStudent Launch Team2014
  • Outstanding Rocketry MentorRobin Midgett2013
  • Faculty Booster AwardProf. Anilkumar2008