SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist to accomplish something truly out of this world, and San Diego State University's Rocket Project and its engineering students are aiming to fly high.
A few months ago when all the top young rocket scientists gathered in the Mojave Desert, it was San Diego State's Galactic Aztec that soared high above the rest.
Manny Marinas, the President of the SDSU's Rocket Project hopes all of the hard work will lead to a career that blasts off.
Jacob Dodson, a senior at SDSU, worked on the Galactic Aztec for a year-and-a-half. All for a two minute flight.
When the rockets are launched, students stand in what looks like a bomb shelter because what goes up, must come down.
And sometimes, rockets explode.
David Chance, graduated in May, and he already landed an engineering job which means, he is smart.
But even smart people feel the pressure of a launch downtown.
The Galactic Aztec reached 13,000 feet with only a half-a-tank of fuel and limited funding.
Funding comes mostly from donations from groups like Galactic Unite.
Scott Borden, a future astronaut with Virgin Galactic, hopes someday projects like these will help send him over the moon.
If you would like to learn more about SDSU's Rocket Project or make a donation to the program, click here.