Our Story

About LAAS

The Lebanese Aerospace and Automotive Society was founded at AUB in 2016 with a singular mission: revive Lebanon's proud engineering heritage and build the next generation of aerospace and automotive pioneers.

Mission

What We Stand For

LAAS exists to inspire AUB students to explore and pursue careers in aerospace and automotive engineering — through hands-on projects, real competition, industry connections, and a culture of curiosity.

We believe the best engineers learn by building. Every project at LAAS is a real challenge with real stakes — from aerodynamic simulations to liquid rocket propulsion, from supermileage drivetrain optimization to VTOL aircraft design.

Hands-On Learning

Real projects, real engineering challenges. We build, test, fail, and iterate — the only way to truly learn.

Industry Network

Guest lectures, workshops, and connections with aerospace and automotive professionals across Lebanon and beyond.

Lebanese Heritage

We carry the torch of Lebanon's historic aerospace program — the first in the Arab world — and build its future.

Our Roots

A Legacy That Reaches the Stars

LAAS is the modern continuation of a story that began over 60 years ago — when Lebanese engineers launched the Arab world's first rockets.

1960

The Lebanese Rocket Society Founded

Manoug Manougian founds the Lebanese Rocket Society at Haigazian College in Beirut — the first organized rocketry program in the Arab world, drawing inspiration from the emerging global space race.

1961

First Launch: Cedar I

The Cedar I rocket achieves its first successful launch, reaching approximately 1 km altitude — a historic milestone for Lebanon and the region.

1963

Cedar IV: 140 km Altitude

Cedar IV, the program's most advanced rocket, reaches a suborbital altitude of 140 km (90 miles) — entering the edge of space and proving Lebanese engineering could compete with the world.

1967

Program Ends

The Lebanese Rocket Society ceases operations due to geopolitical pressures. The dream is paused — but not extinguished.

2016

LAAS Founded at AUB

The Lebanese Aerospace and Automotive Society is established at the American University of Beirut, carrying forward the spirit of the 1960s program with new technology, new talent, and renewed ambition.

2024

Three Active Engineering Teams

LAAS operates three simultaneous engineering projects: VTOL Aircraft, Liquid Rocket Engine, and Supermileage Car — with 51+ active members across both aerospace and automotive divisions.

Now

2025–2026 Season Underway

New cabinet elected, teams advancing through design and testing phases, and recruitment open for AUB students ready to build Lebanon's next chapter in aerospace and automotive engineering.

Leadership

Meet the Cabinet

The 2025–2026 LAAS executive team leading the club this academic year.

Loading cabinet members...

Ready to Join the Story?

Apply to LAAS and become part of Lebanon's next chapter in aerospace and automotive engineering.

Apply Now