Experimental Sounding Rocket Association

The Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 that fosters engineering knowledge and experience in rocketry. ESRA's main activity is organizing the annual Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), also known as the Spaceport America Cup, where student teams design, build, and launch rockets. This competition attracts over 150 collegiate teams from around the world, allowing them to compete in various categories based on altitude and motor type. ESRA's partners and sponsors include organizations like Blue Origin and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).