FAQ

The Midwest Rocketry Forum is a conference that invites all students, researchers, faculty, professionals, and teams passionate or curious about rockets to share, network, and discover the world of rocketry.

The Midwest Rocketry Forum is inspired by the Spring Space Forum, an annual event run by Purdue Space Program (formerly Purdue SEDS) from 1998 until 2013 at Purdue University. The event hopes to retain the same spirit of bringing in industry professionals to discuss and debate the space industry.

As a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Purdue Space Program, the theme for the inaugural year is Footprints: Revisiting the Past to Step Toward the Future. We’ll be looking at how we got here when it comes to space and rockets by looking at the monumental leaps that marked history and what steps are being made now to shape tomorrow.

The Midwest Rocketry Forum will take place throughout the Fall 2020 semester (September to November) in a virtual format. Events during the Forum will be hosted from Purdue University.

The Midwest Rocketry Forum main event will be a podcast series. It will focus on various topics such as “Failure is Always and Option” and “The Cutting Edge,” launching in September. By registering, you’ll be the first to hear special guests as we get closer to the event, as well as how you can join the conversation!

Alongside the podcast series, there will be several live workshops you would be able to tune in. After the first episode, we’ll start off with “Rockets 101,” which will give you the basics of rocketry so that anyone can get started.

Stay tuned to our Twitter handle @MidwestRocketry and this website for updates. You may also register now as an attendee, and you will receive email updates on the event as well as exclusive opportunities.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Midwest Rocketry Forum will be conducted in a virtual format for 2020. This decision is in response to, and in compliance with, the Protect Purdue Plan that will be in effect during the Fall 2020 semester at Purdue University. Midwest Rocketry Forum events are expected to be conducted in-person after 2020.

Please note that, in order to comply with decisions and actions from Purdue University (including a campus-wide shutdown), the Midwest Rocketry Forum may modify events, conclude early, or cancel at any time.

Purdue Space Program and Purdue University expects all digital event participants to uphold the principles of this Code of Conduct, which covers the main digital event and all related activities. We do not tolerate disruptive or disrespectful behavior, messages, images, or interactions by any party participant, in any form, at any aspect of the program including business and social activities, regardless of location.

Purdue Space Program and Purdue University will not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations, and ordinances.

We encourage everyone to assist in creating a welcoming and safe environment. Please report any concerns, harassing behavior, suspicious, or disruptive activity to Purdue Space Program at puseds@purdue.edu. Purdue Space Program and Purdue University reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person from, the Midwest Rocketry Forum at any time at its sole discretion.

We strive to make the digital experience as accommodating and accessible as possible. Please contact us at puseds@purdue.edu if you would like to request any accommodations such as closed captioning.

Registering as an attendee will keep you updated on events throughout the conference. While you do not need to sign up to participate in main events, some events may require your name and email address in order to provide a link to join, such as events through Cisco Webex.

The Midwest Rocketry Forum will be a free digital experience for 2020. You will not need to pay to participate or attend any events.

Please report at puseds@purdue.edu if you are asked to pay to participate or attend a Midwest Rocketry Forum event.