Aerospace is taking off in the Permian Basin as UTPB students lead a new effort to explore space innovation together.
“Within the next month, I found myself in a room filled with like-minded individuals hungry for the growth of the space industry in the Permian Basin.”
That is how Raquelle Bernal, a senior at The University of Texas Permian Basin, describes the start of something big: the Falcon Aeronautics and Space Team, also known as FAST.
Raquelle, who is majoring in mechanical engineering and plans to graduate in fall 2026, was first introduced to the idea while working on a research project for her Materials Science and Mechanics of Materials classes. What began as a simple study on the uses of steel turned into a deep dive into how the material supports aerospace projects such as satellites and space modules.
That curiosity quickly grew into a mission. Raquelle brought her idea for a space-focused research club to life, and within weeks, she had gathered a group of passionate students ready to explore aerospace engineering.
FAST is open to all UTPB students and is currently working to become an official chapter through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Around 10 members are pursuing their Level 1 Rocketry Certification, which includes designing, fabricating, launching, and recovering an H-Motor rocket. Raquelle says once certified, they will be cleared to work on more powerful rockets similar to those used by NASA or SpaceX.
The club also offers valuable professional connections. Members receive Tripoli Rocketry Association, National Association of Rocketry, and Space Force Association memberships. FAST plans to compete in the International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland in 2026.
While engineering is at its core, the club also integrates marketing, finance, project management, and creativity to give students a well-rounded experience that mirrors real-world aerospace projects.
“The skills and knowledge we use to create our projects are meant to be applied beyond UTPB,” Raquelle said. “We have found a love for learning about the extraterrestrial environment and strive to contribute to the next space missions.”
Raquelle hopes FAST will become a space where the entire Permian Basin community can learn and collaborate. She dreams of partnering with local colleges and high schools to expand access to aerospace education.
“I want Falcon Aeronautics and Space Team to be the organization where people come to take their first step in the space industry,” she said. “A new opportunity opens every day, and I want to share that success with everyone.”
For more information or to join, contact Raquelle Bernal or Dr. Seyed Ghiaasiaan, or follow @FAST.UTPB on Instagram.
That is how Raquelle Bernal, a senior at The University of Texas Permian Basin, describes the start of something big: the Falcon Aeronautics and Space Team, also known as FAST. Raquelle, who is majoring in mechanical engineering and plans to graduate in fall 2026, was first introduced to the idea while working on a research project for her Materials Science and Mechanics of Materials classes. What began as a simple study on the uses of steel turned into a deep dive into how the material supports aerospace projects such as satellites and space modules.
That curiosity quickly grew into a mission. Raquelle brought her idea for a space-focused research club to life, and within weeks, she had gathered a group of passionate students ready to explore aerospace engineering.
FAST is open to all UTPB students and is currently working to become an official chapter through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Around 10 members are pursuing their Level 1 Rocketry Certification, which includes designing, fabricating, launching, and recovering an H-Motor rocket. Raquelle says once certified, they will be cleared to work on more powerful rockets similar to those used by NASA or SpaceX.
The club also offers valuable professional connections. Members receive Tripoli Rocketry Association, National Association of Rocketry, and Space Force Association memberships. FAST plans to compete in the International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland in 2026.
While engineering is at its core, the club also integrates marketing, finance, project management, and creativity to give students a well-rounded experience that mirrors real-world aerospace projects.
“The skills and knowledge we use to create our projects are meant to be applied beyond UTPB,” Raquelle said. “We have found a love for learning about the extraterrestrial environment and strive to contribute to the next space missions.”
Raquelle hopes FAST will become a space where the entire Permian Basin community can learn and collaborate. She dreams of partnering with local colleges and high schools to expand access to aerospace education.
“I want Falcon Aeronautics and Space Team to be the organization where people come to take their first step in the space industry,” she said. “A new opportunity opens every day, and I want to share that success with everyone.”
For more information or to join, contact Raquelle Bernal or Dr. Seyed Ghiaasiaan, or follow @FAST.UTPB on Instagram.
