Rocketry Challenge

Challenge Rules

Teams of 2-4 youth

Each team participating must have a minimum of two and a maximum of four youth to be eligible to compete.

Age Divisions | Junior (9-13 years) | Senior (14-18 years)

Age is calculated as of January 1, 2025. In teams with youth of multiple age divisions, the age of the oldest youth on that team will determine the age division in which the team will compete.

Materials | Specifications | Time

Teams will bring their rocket, presentation, and repair materials. The launch tube is
optional. The launcher will be provided at the event.

Judging

Metric | Placing | Tie Breaker

Launch judging will be based on the greatest distance of two launches that stay in the +/- 5-degree range. Rockets that land outside the +/- 5 degrees will be disqualified for that launch. In the case of a tie, the closest to the centerline will win. Presentations will be judged on design aesthetics, explanation of design, and demonstration of teamwork in the presentation. Your presentation points will be added to your launch distance to come up with your final score. Max presentation score is 100. A launch of 375 feet and a presentation score of 90 will have a final score of 465.

Challenge Instructions

Teams will be divided into two groups on the event day: Group A & Group B. Group A will go to the presentation and give their presentation while Group B conducts their rocket launches. At a designated time, the groups will switch so that Group B teams can give their presentations and Group A teams can conduct their launches.

Launching:

Each team’s rocket will be inspected to ensure that it meets the rocket requirements (see Preparation Instructions section below). The launcher will be locked into a stand, but teams can make adjustments to the angle and rotate the launcher left and right. All teams will make a first launch attempt and then all teams will be allowed a second launch attempt. Rockets will land on a hard surface, so plan for damage and have supplies to repair your rocket if needed. This year’s challenge will be based on an air-powered launcher.

The Launcher:

• Volume of 1 liter at a pressure of 28 PSI

• Adjustable launch angle (Horizontal and Vertical)

• ½ or ¾ inch PVC launch tube (Schedule 40 white PVC pipe)

• Electric valve

• You may bring your own launch tube with a ½ or ¾ inch Schedule 40 white PVC with ½ inch Female pipe thread

See video in resources section for more details.

Presentations:

Each team will give a 5-minute presentation on the design of their rocket. PowerPoint or physical posters are acceptable as presentation materials. See the Preparation Instructions section below for more information about the presentation preparation.

Rocket Preparation:

Build an air-powered rocket based on a launch tube of ½ or ¾ inch PVC. The rocket should slide easily over the ½ or ¾ inch PVC pipe.

Rocket Requirements:

• Must be made of paper or plastic, no external metal parts

• Be under 8 ounces in weight

• Must not have lifting wings

• Must have fins for stabilization

• Must fit in a 14x6x6-inch volume space

Presentation Preparation:

Create a presentation on your rocket. The presentation should include pictures of your team’s rocket in case it is damaged during your launch. Digital slide decks, in PowerPoint or PDF format, or physical posters are acceptable as presentation materials.

Slide decks must be uploaded online by Friday, Jan 31, 2025, with your team members’ names, your team’s adult name and contact information. Please also bring a flash drive with the file as a backup.

Concepts to address in your presentation:

• Why you chose your materials

• Weighting of the rocket

• Fin and nose design

• Launch angle

• Basic understanding of ballistics

Helpful Resources

Engineering Design Process

Video from Challenge Facilitator

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please reach out to Alana W. West.