The Portland State Aerospace Society (PSAS) is an interdisciplinary, student-led aerospace engineering group that designs and builds sophisticated open source rockets and satellites. PSAS gives students hands-on experience with advanced aerospace technology while helping them develop practical, marketable skills in engineering, project management, teamwork, research, and design.
What Students Do
PSAS students collaborate on complex aerospace projects, including high-powered rockets, liquid-fuel propulsion systems, CubeSats, and spaceflight-ready hardware. The group brings together students from many disciplines, including engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, business, and more. The organization is known for being deeply interdisciplinary. Students work in teams to solve real engineering problems, gaining experience similar to what they would encounter in industry.
Rockets and Launch Vehicles
PSAS has developed multiple launch vehicles, including Launch Vehicle 3 (LV3) and Launch Vehicle 4 (LV4).
LV3 is one of the group’s recent rocket projects, with launch activities taking place in Central Oregon. PSAS has also worked on LV4, a more advanced rocket design intended to push the boundaries of amateur rocketry. The LV4 concept includes a liquid-fuel engine designed to help carry the rocket to approximately 100 kilometers, reaching the edge of space.
Satellites and Space Missions
PSAS students have also designed and built satellites, including OreSat, Oregon’s first satellite. OreSat was developed as an open source CubeSat platform and created opportunities for students to contribute directly to spaceflight hardware.
PSAS satellite work has supported NASA climate science research, including missions designed to collect data on high-altitude cirrus clouds and their role in Earth’s climate system.
Interdisciplinary Learning
PSAS welcomes students from across PSU, as well as collaborators from community colleges, high schools, and industry. Members gain experience in:
- Aerospace engineering
- Electrical and computer engineering
- Mechanical design
- Embedded systems
- Software development
- Physics and math
- Project management
- Finance and operations
- Team-based problem-solving
Faculty advisor Andrew Greenberg describes PSAS as “militantly interdisciplinary,” reflecting the group’s commitment to bringing together people with many different skills and backgrounds.
Student Impact
PSAS provides students with hands-on, team-based education through real aerospace projects. Members learn how to collaborate across disciplines, manage complex systems, and build technology that can operate in demanding environments. No fewer than 30 PSAS alumni have gone on to work in the aerospace industry.