Between May 28 and June 2, 2025, the PUT Rocketlab student team from Poznan University of Technology participated in the international student rocket engineering competition FAR-OUT 2025, held in the Mojave Desert in California. The team was the only representative from Europe at the event
Their hybrid-propelled rocket, HEXA 5, set a FAR site record for the highest altitude reached by a fully recovered hybrid rocket.
The originally planned flight altitude was 31,616 feet, but thanks to favorable conditions, HEXA 5 flew higher than any other rocket in the competition—reaching 34,551 feet (approx. 10.5 km) and achieving a maximum speed of 511 m/s. The rocket launched on the first day of flights, taking off within about 30 seconds of the window opening, and was the first and only rocket to fly that day. After completing its mission, it returned safely to the ground via parachutes without any damage. Due to low wind speeds, HEXA 5 landed close enough that its descent could be seen with the naked eye.
In the final evaluation, the judges considered several criteria: the precision in reaching the simulated target altitude, recovery of the rocket in a reusable condition, successful delivery of a scientific payload to the contracted altitude, and real-time transmission of video footage from an onboard camera.
All of these criteria were met, earning PUT Rocketlab first place in Category B (flight altitude range of 20,000 to 50,000 feet). The team was also awarded a special prize for the most efficient hybrid rocket engine.