A view of the 2009 payloads just after deployment from the rocket. Photo: Ball Aerospace/ULA

[Via Satellite 07-25-2014] Interns from United Launch Alliance and Ball Aerospace are planning to launch Colorado’s largest rocket on July 26, 2014. More than 100 students are participating in the seventh annual Student Rocket Launch, where a total of 18 payloads will be carried on three high-power sports rockets.

The Ball Aerospace interns collectively known as BIRST (Ball Intern Rocket Science Team), designed and constructed the five largest payloads with the help of employee mentors. Students from Kindergarten to 12th grade created the remaining 13 payloads.

“Year after year exceptionally talented summer interns amaze us with their innovative approach to challenges and problem solving,” said Jeff Osterkamp, VP for engineering, Ball. “The rocket launch aspect of the 10-week internship demonstrates their understanding of the teamwork needed to become future leaders.”

The Student Rocket Launch will take place at the Hudson Ranch near Pueblo, Colo. The first launch takes place at 10 a.m., and the final launch at noon. Attendees are welcome at this event.