Next generation of engineers from across the UK invited to compete in national rocketry competition
The call is out for young rocket scientists to step forward and bring an international award to the UK with the launch of the UK’s largest youth model rocket competition. Students aged 11 – 18 are being invited to enter the UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC) with the national champions wining an all-expenses paid trip to Paris.
Teams compete regionally to qualify for the national finals with the winners representing the UK in a fly off against teams from the USA, Japan and France at the Paris International Airshow in June 2017. Could the UK finally knock long-reigning Team USA from the top spot? UKAYRoC has strong support from the aerospace, defence and space industries as well as from famous faces such as the UK’s celebrated astronaut Major Tim Peake. Congratulating last year’s runners up, Abbeyfield School, at the international final, Major Tim Peake said: “I may have been launched into space in a rocket but the guys here would know more about that process than me.”
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group, organisers of the UKAYRoC said: “The future success of our industries is dependent on a new generation coming through with qualifications in science, technology, engineering and maths. This rocketry challenge is an engaging and exciting way for young people to explore how these subjects are put into practical use.
“The young people who take part in this competition have the potential to go on to achieve successful and rewarding careers in industries that are challenging, diverse and important to the UK’s economy and security. It would be a fantastic achievement for a UK team to triumph over teams from the USA, Japan and France in the international finals.”
The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge involves the design, build and launch of a model rocket with the aim of ensuring the ‘passenger’ - one raw egg - remain intact throughout the launch and landing. The rocket must reach 775 feet with a specific target flight duration of 41-43 seconds. Rules governing the competition are altered every year to ensure designs can’t be repeated.
The aerospace and space industries collectively employ 162,000 people across the UK, at companies such as Airbus, BAE Systems, GKN, Lockheed Martin, MBDA and Rolls Royce. UKAYRoC is a great introduction to the skills used by many of these organisations which provide high-value careers.
Key dates:
Today: Complete and return your application form to jemma.keen@adsgroup.org.uk
08 February 2017: Deadline for entries
April-May 2017: Regional events at sites across the UK
Week commencing 22 May 2017: National Final
22 – 23 June 2017: International Final at Paris International Airshow 2017
About UKAYRoC:
The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC) is a free national competition to enthuse more young people about the subjects needed in aerospace, defence, security and space industries - science, technology, engineering and maths. Organised annually by ADS, UK’s largest youth model rocket competition is now in its 11th year.
The Challenge is aimed at students aged 11 – 18 from secondary schools, colleges and/or higher education to design, build and launch a model rocket with two raw eggs. The rocket must reach 775 feet with a specific target flight duration of 41-43 seconds.
Designed to encourage teamwork, creativity and innovation, UKAYRoC enables young people to gain practical insight into how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects are used by the aerospace, defence and space industries. The competition demonstrates the value of studying STEM subjects which can lead to rewarding and successful careers.
Why enter?
- Cash prizes, certificates and awards for winning teams, and their associated youth group/school
- Supported by the aviation and rocketry industry – British Astronaut Tim Peake, TV presenter
- Dallas Campbell, American Astronaut Al Worden and industry representatives from Airbus Group Ltd, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and UTC all attended rocketry events last year.
- The UK team (and adults) will receive a paid-for trip to Paris International Airshow to compete.
- ADS will cover accommodation, lunches in VIP chalets, an exclusive dinner and entertainment, exclusive trade access to the Airshow on a non-public day.