The Tripoli Rocketry Association is proud to announce the formation of a new international prefecture—Tripoli Colombia—officially recognized as Prefecture #181.
Led by Prefect David Pineda (TRA #27540), Tripoli Colombia was established to strengthen the practice of high-power rocketry in Colombia under Tripoli’s internationally recognized standards for safety, legality, and technical excellence.
Since 2023, the team behind Tripoli Colombia has organized the Colombian Sport Rocketry Competition (CCCD), the country’s premier educational and competitive rocketry event. The CCCD has already brought together over 150 students and educators from across Colombia and Latin America, gaining support from universities, public institutions, and private organizations dedicated to advancing STEM education.
The newly formed prefecture aims to:
- Host regular certification launches in coordination with Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority, enabling Tripoli Level 1 and Level 2 certifications for members.
- Expand access to high-power rocketry education throughout Colombia, including outreach to universities, technical schools, and rural communities.
- Offer technical training programs and workshops covering rocket design, construction, safety, and simulation.
- Continue growing the CCCD as a national platform for education and talent development in aerospace and rocketry.
Tripoli Colombia’s primary launch site will be located in La Tatacoa Desert, Huila, an ideal location for certification flights. Additional outreach and events will take place nationwide.
Prefect David Pineda brings over 20 years of rocketry experience and a distinguished background in aerospace engineering and education. He has led hundreds of launches, pioneered educational rocketry kits, and helped create more than 90 aerospace outreach clubs across Colombia. Joining him in leadership roles are Luis Miguel Molina (Secretary) and Jaime Suárez (Additional Member), both active educators and advocates for STEM and aerospace programs.
With its official recognition, Tripoli Colombia now provides Colombian rocketeers with a legal, safe, and technically rigorous pathway to participate in high-power rocketry and earn Tripoli certifications. This marks a major milestone in fostering a strong national rocketry community and strengthening international collaboration across Latin America.
Prefecture Contact Information:
Website: www.satelab.org
Email: rocketry@satelab.org