Rocket-powered success for Helena College graduate

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘Well, it’s not rocket science!’, but for one Helena College graduate, it very definitely is!

Patrick Underwood (Class of 2015) built his first model rocket with the help of Helena College teachers back in 2013. Today, he leads the RMIT Aurora V Rocket Program, through which he and his team have designed, built and flown five scientific rockets to explore the effect of flight on a biological payload.

He is currently studying a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Hons) at RMIT University in Melbourne and was recently named as one this year’s Young Australian Space leaders, and was one of just five Australian university students to receive a scholarship attend the International Astronautical Congress in Milan.

Patrick recently shared his story how his love of rockets has led to the most rewarding year of his life, both technically and personally.

‘My whole life now is rockets. So, when the rocket that you’ve launched after countless hours of work, safely touches down, it is one of the best feelings is the world. Working with the Aurora V Rocket team has allowed me to achieve something special with my degree, whilst also providing me with some amazing friendships with a fantastic group of people.’

But Patrick’s journey to astronautical success did not go quite as smoothly as his rocket launches have done.

‘At the beginning of Year 11, I expected to graduate with a ~90 ATAR. I think I ended on maybe a 70. I say maybe, because I don’t remember! My plan had been to go straight into Aerospace Engineering, but that ATAR was just not quite good enough, so I went with Plan B.’

Plan B was entering Curtin University to study Astrophysics, but Patrick ended up dropping out after just three weeks.

‘I just wasn’t ready to throw myself back into studying and ended going with Plan C, which was turning my love of going to gym into a career by completing my certification in personal training and strength and conditioning, which I did for about three years.’

Partway through this period, Patrick returned to uni, this time to Edith Cowan where he started a Bachelor of Aeronautical Technology (aka Plan D) until graduation, when COVID hit.

‘I really struggled to find any job in the industry, especially with all the airlines closing down, so post-COVID, I decided to go back to what I had always been passionate about: aerospace.’

Patrick says his early passion for rockets was ignited by both his grandfathers.

‘My grandad on my dad’s side worked as an engineer in the RAF, and my grandad on my mum’s side worked with NASA to bring rockets to Australia, so I’ve been surrounded by rockets and aeronautics for as long as I can remember.’

Patrick moved to Melbourne to start his studies into Aerospace Engineering at RMIT in 2022, and it wasn’t long before he was working with the student rocket team. Two years into his studies, Patrick was offered an internship at SAAB Australia in their Space Team.

‘I worked in this role for over a year, before moving into a lead position in RMIT’s rocketry team. I consider this to be a real privilege and have thoroughly enjoyed leading a team of 30 to design, build, fly and recover five high-powered rockets across the year. And finally, many years after the dream started, I get to graduate as an Aerospace Engineer at the end of 2024.’

When he reflects on his journey to achieving his dream, he recalls staff from his time at Helena College being some of the most influential people on his pathway.

‘Mr Deven Reddy, Mr Steve Smith and Mr Bill Offer always supported me, and always pushed me to the best I could be. It may have taken a while, but there is no doubt in my mind that they are one of the big reasons where I am today.’

We asked Patrick what his advice would be to current Helena College students, and he shared his thoughts:

‘Firstly, your ATAR does not define you. I’m not sure whether I’ve ever been asked what my ATAR was, expect perhaps for the first round of uni applications. Secondly, if you don’t end up with the score you wanted, that’s perfectly okay. I sure didn’t, and I still got to do exactly what I wanted!

‘If you want something badly enough, then there are always pathways to get there. Do I regret not studying harder for exams? Yes and no. Yes, because the direct pathway is always the easiest. No, because I’m so glad I took the path that I did. Enjoy the journey that life takes you on after Helena – it might take you places you never expected.’

‘For anyone wanting a similar career: Do it, do it, do it! The most amount of fun I’ve ever had was during this rocket program. I’ve learnt so much and enjoyed every second of it. Sign up for the engineering clubs, throw yourself in the deep end, and just build something. The experience pays for itself.’