I build rockets with kids, capital projects with a trillion-dollar Fortune-100 company, and pathways for people to pursue their dreams without unnecessary obstacles. Space is the limit, and there's no limit in space.
Dreamernaut is driven by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams without unnecessary obstacles in their way. By lowering barriers of entry to economic activity - education, entrepreneurship, opportunity - I create environments where people from every background can thrive. From a rocketry club in Gaborone to launch rails in Marion County, the mission has never changed: use every available resource to pave the way for a flourishing future.
Lowering barriers of entry so individuals from every socioeconomic background can participate fully - in entrepreneurship, investing, and high-quality education and training.
When people believe in their ability to reach their goals, they set ambitious targets, persevere through challenges, and unlock their full potential. Every rocket a student launches is proof of what they can do.
Well-being goes beyond material wealth - physical health, mental and emotional wellness, social connection, and personal fulfillment, for individuals and whole communities.
Set a target too ambitious for your current process to absorb. The reach forces a whole new framework, not just a faster version of the old one, and what it uncovers pays off at every level.
My name is Tanaka Chonyera and I can do anything.
I founded the bootcamp in August 2025 in Marion County, Indiana, and it is free for every student. Each participant designs, builds, paints, and launches their own high-power rocket - reaching altitudes up to 2,000 feet - while learning aerodynamics, propulsion, recovery systems, and FAA airspace coordination. As Flyer of Record, I personally certify every student rocket before it flies.
Selected through a competitive national process by the National Society of Black Engineers, honored at the 2026 NSBE Annual Convention.
First-ever Botswana win in the essay category. Its judging panel was chaired by ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, who called Tanaka "the next Nobel Prize winner."
Ranked first by flight count at the largest high-power rocketry launch in the world - 34 flights, more than double second place. Tripoli Level 2 certified; recognized by NAR board members.
"Indianapolis engineer launches free rocket boot camp for kids" - broadcast & digital feature, syndicated by iHeart's Morning Rush.
The WTHR feature was picked up and syndicated on iHeart's Morning Rush.
Profiled in the People section of the national weekly, alongside a 3-time Paralympic medalist.
Live segment with the City of Fishers, cross-aired on CBS4 Indianapolis.
Millions of views across major communities; nine posts over 100K views, three over 380K.
Two national features, including "Botswana's Future Astronaut is Born."
"18-year-old Tanaka Chonyera wants to lead Zimbabwe to space" - plus national TV and radio appearances.
1st place in a multinational STEM rocket design competition in South Africa, then 1st in Africa at the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards - the first-ever Botswana win in the essay category. The prize: Paris, then French Guiana to watch an Ariane rocket lift off. Founded the first student-led rocketry program at Maru-a-Pula School, which earned a $10,000 STEM facilities budget.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Concentration), MSU Honors College, on a $140,000 Honors College Scholarship plus a Boeing Scholarship. Led the Solar Racing capstone aero-body team, fabricated diamond electrodes at Fraunhofer USA supporting Parkinson's research, and served NSBE-MSU as Secretary & Communications Chair.
Project Manager at Eli Lilly leading a $150M+ capital capacity expansion - directing design, construction and C&Q.
Founded the High-Power Rocket Bootcamp. 171 participants trained, 100+ rockets flown, ~$155,000 in approved funding - and a public goal of 1,000 rockets. Ranked #1 flyer by flight count at LDRS 44, the world's largest high-power rocketry launch, with 34 flights.
Real comments from Reddit threads that reached millions of viewers - parents, teachers, and engineers reacting to the Rocket Bootcamp.
I'm so glad you're doing this for the community in Indy. You're a legend, man!
As the former president of my sixth-grade rocketry club, I can tell you without any hesitation or fear of contradiction that what you are doing matters. Thank you.
Well done! Your impact to these kids lives is probably immeasurable.
Leading a $150M+ capital capacity expansion from design through construction, commissioning, and qualification - directing the project managers of the design, construction, and C&Q firms, with a peak construction force of hundreds on-site against FDA-regulated quality milestones.
Solar Racing capstone team lead (aero body design). Fraunhofer USA additive manufacturing intern - pioneered boron-doped diamond electrode fabrication with contributions to research published in Biosensors. First Solar process engineering intern. NSBE chapter leadership.
Fill out the form below and it goes straight to me. Students, parents, and volunteers welcome.
