Schools urged to reach for the stars with rocket challenge

ADS Group, leading trade association for the UK's space industry, is putting a final call out to schools and youth groups from across the midlands to enter The Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge '“ the only competition of its type in the country.
Schools and youth groups from across the midlands are being encourage to enter The Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge. Picture: Alex MacNaughtonSchools and youth groups from across the midlands are being encourage to enter The Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge. Picture: Alex MacNaughton
Schools and youth groups from across the midlands are being encourage to enter The Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge. Picture: Alex MacNaughton

As well as putting design and engineering skills to the test, the challenge aims to encourage the next generation of rocket scientists and astronauts to become more involved with space.

Teams of up to ten design and build a motor-powered rocket which needs to take off and land without breaking its cargo of two raw eggs.

Regional finals will be followed by a national final in May with the winners competing against teams from the USA, Japan and France at the International Final which will be held at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS Group said: “We want to encourage as many teams as possible to participate in this competition so that the UK puts forward its most talented rocket-builders at the international final, and the midlands needs greater representation.

“With Major Tim Peake currently at the International Space Station, the UK’s space industry is flying high and this is a great opportunity for young people from across the midlands to get involved.

“Space is one of the UK’s most exciting and fast-growing sectors, which means lots of opportunities especially for those working to achieve qualifications in science, technology and maths.”

Now in its 10th year, the Rocketry Challenge is a fun and engaging way to combine academic knowledge with practical skills.

“The challenge is open to any school or extra-curricular teams aged 11-18, and the rocket needs to reach an altitude as close to 850 feet and remain airborne for a minimum of 44 seconds.

Rockets should be a minimum of 65cm long and the motor needs to meet the UK Rocketry Challenge criteria, details of which are on the website at www.ukayroc.org.uk

There is no limit on the number of teams a school or college can enter.

The deadline to sregister your interest and submit applications to enter the regional finals is March 16, go to the competition website for details.