Robotics team members, Erik Anderson ’20, Page Clancy ’22 and Dean Reiter ’20 toured the SpaceX production facility with computer science teacher and Robotics Coach Andrew Theiss on Oct. 29.

During the visit, students learned about SpaceX’s internal operations and assembly strategies.

Clancy, who plans to participate in the American Rocketry Competition this year, said she enjoyed the visit.

“I loved it,” Clancy said. “Getting to see the process of building the rockets up-close was a super unique opportunity. I had a great time getting shown around and watching what goes on within the facilities.”

The visit also provided the group with a unique opportunity to learn about a the newest technology, Theiss said.

“We were fortunate enough to see the production of a full-flow stage combustion engine being manufactured, probably one of the first 10 in existence),” Theiss said.

The SpaceX Raptor uses a full-flow, staged combustion engine and is the only orbital rocket to ever have been fueled by methane.

Clancy said the visit allowed her to visualize a career in STEM.

“Getting to see where robotics could take me in the future was super inspiring,” Clancy said.