The feature chronicles the story of student-led rocketry team , launching their liquid rocket, ‘Desert Winds’, in the Mojave Desert in California. In June 2024, they broke the European amateur liquid altitude record and became the first UK-based organisation to launch a liquid rocket since the 1970s.
Beautifully shot by Business Management student, Stephen Lin, the documentary opens with a breathtaking aerial view of the expansive Mojave Desert, immediately followed by a tantalizing glimpse of the launch-ready rocket and the team safely ensconced in their bunkers.
Rewinding 11 months, to July 2023, we witness the genesis of this journey: the hot-fire testing of Sunfire II, the first 3D-printed rocket engine from a UK student team. The film then chronicles the team's transatlantic adventure, including a humorous brush with baggage handlers and interviews with the team - but no more spoilers - to experience the full adventure, watch the documentary on Project Sunride’s .
Emma Bladen, Co-Director at Project Sunride and General Engineering student, said: “A huge thank you to Stephen Lin for your time and dedication to this project over the last nine months. This was an immense undertaking but really showcases student rocketry for the UK.”
Stephen Lin, Sunride Documentary Director, said: “While working on the Desert Winds documentary, I looked back at our first documentary and was impressed by how much the team had grown and how far we had come. I also had the chance to experiment with new storytelling techniques, including working with five talented music students to compose original tracks for the film.
Congratulations again to the incredible students that worked on Desert Winds, and thank you to the supporters of this project: Reece Foundation, Aconity3D, Space Hub Yorkshire, Spacefleet, 3DPrototypes, 3D People UK, Accu, Rapid Direct, WestAir Gases & Equipment, Ansys, as well as the ־ of Sheffield, our Alumni Foundation, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering."
The team are now working on their next project due to launch back at the site this June in California, Karman Charlie.
