Reaching for the stars: Swindon Schoolchildren to compete in International Rocketry Finals
- Ridgeway Rocket Club were crowned National Champions of UKROC 2023 and will head to the International Rocketry Finals
- This year’s competition was the most geographically diverse and saw more UK school children than ever participate in the annual competition.
Buckminster (5 June 2023) – Following the best attended competition in its history, Ridgeway Rocket Club, from Ridgeway School, Swindon won the National Rocketry Finals just a few short weeks ago.
In the most geographically diverse and largest competition to date, the team met the mission brief by designing, building, and launching a model rocket to carry a precious payload: an egg.
The rockets were tasked with reaching an altitude of 850 feet and returning safely to ground within the time parameter of between 42 – 45 seconds.
As part of the competition, the teams also presented their logbooks to the judges, and explained the unique design and build of their rockets, while reflecting on the challenges and findings during the test phases, as well as their experience of UKROC.
Ridgeway Rocket Club will now refine their rocket’s design before travelling to France to compete in the International Rocketry Challenge final, held this year at Paris Airshow on 23 June. The international final will see the team compete against teams from the US, Japan, and France.
“A huge congratulations to Ridgeway Rocket Club, who have reached for the stars and been crowned winners of UKROC 2023. Throughout the competition, they have excelled, beating teams from across their region, and applying crucial STEM skills to achieve an outstanding result,” said Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of ADS Group.
“UKROC continues to play a critical role in inspiring students to consider careers in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors which offer fantastic and rewarding opportunities across the UK.
“At the international final at Paris Airshow, I know competition will be fierce, it would be brilliant to see the UK’s Ridgeway Rocket Club, finesse the skills they have learnt, beat their opponents from the US, France, and Japan. Here’s hoping they will return to the UK as 2023 International Rocketry Champions!”
Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK said : “This competition has showcased some incredibly talented and innovative young people from across the UK. As proud sponsors of the event, Airbus congratulates Ridgeway Rocket Club on their victory in the national finals and indeed all the competitors. Airbus has a proud record of investing in young talent, and we encourage all participants to explore the rewarding and exciting opportunities available in our growing space sector.”
Andy Brice, Ridgeway Rocket Club, commented:
"The UKROC 2023 event was a fantastic day with a great atmosphere and a nail-biting finale. It was thrilling to win on our second attempt, after placing ninth in our first attempt in 2022. We are all very excited about going to the International Finals at the Paris Airshow. It was also great for the team to be able to talk to the sponsors and the inspirational students from Sheffield University that attended.
“My compliments to ADS and the volunteers who kept everything running smoothly and safely and thanks to the sponsors for their support."
UKROC is supported by industry and the 2023 competition is sponsored by Airbus Defence and Space and Lockheed Martin.
Rules governing the competition are altered each year to encourage innovative thinking amongst participants and ensure previous designs can’t be repeated.