Reach for the stars – Launch of the 2019 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge
The UK’s aspiring astronauts and rocket scientists are being called upon to compete in the UK’s largest youth rocket competition. Students aged 11 – 18 are invited to enter the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKRoC), with the national champions going forward to take on the USA, France and Japan in an international final.
UKRoC enables young people to gain practical insight into how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects are used by the aerospace and space sectors.
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group, organisers of the UKRoC, said:
“Through the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge students can explore how science, technology, engineering and maths are being applied in the aerospace and space sector. This is a great example of how industry can support and encourage young people into exciting careers in our industries.
“Last year, national champions Tonbridge School were runners up in the closely fought international finals. I’m looking forward to seeing the UK national champions challenge our international competitors again at the Paris International Airshow; A UK victory would demonstrate the determination and skill of the brilliant young minds the UK has to offer.
“I would encourage all young people interested in a career in STEM to enter this exciting and fun competition to develop their teamwork and rocketry skills.”
UKRoC 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 856 feet with a specific target flight duration of 43-46 seconds. Rules governing the competition are altered every year to ensure old designs can’t be repeated.
Teams across the UK 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 Paris International Airshow in June 2019.
The aerospace and space industries collectively employ more than 160,000 people across the UK, at companies such as Lockheed Martin, Airbus, BAE Systems, GKN, Thales Alenia Space, MBDA and Rolls Royce and are supported by nationwide supply chains. UKRoC is a great introduction to the skills used by many of these organisations which provide high-value and well paid careers locally.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Timeline
Today: Register your team here
February 2019: Registration closes
April 2019: Regional Events across the UK
May 2019: National Final
20-21 June 2019: International Final at Paris International Airshow
The UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKRoC) 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, the UK’s largest youth model rocket competition is now in its 12th 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 one raw egg. The rocket must reach a set altitude with a specific target flight duration. Rules governing the competition are altered every year to ensure designs can’t be repeated.
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 Farnborough International Airshow in July 2018.
Designed to encourage teamwork, creativity and innovation, UKRoC 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.
http://www.ukayroc.org.uk/