High-powered rocket built by Valley students completes full flight, recovery in Hearne, TX

By Claudia Garcia,

2026-08-08

Rio Grande Valley students successfully launched and recovered a student-built high-powered rocket called Project Vortex at Hearne Municipal Airport on Saturday. According to a news release, the rocket launched at approximately 11 a.m. and reached a confirmed altitude of 8,300 feet. It hit a maximum speed of approximately 900 feet per second during its ascent.