It is rocket science!

Air October 8, 2016

National Rocketry competition opened to next generation of engineers.

Students aged 11-18 are being invited to take part in the 11^th UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC). Organised by the ADS, teams will compete regionally to qualify for the national finals and the winners will represent the UK in a fly off against teams from the USA, Japan and France at the Paris International Airshow in June 2017.

UKAYRoC is a free national competition designed to bring interest young people in the subjects required for careers in the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, such as science, technology, engineering and maths. Teamwork, creativity and innovation are key aspects of the competition, enabling students to gain a practical insight into the uses of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) in industry, with the competition happily demonstrating the value of studying STEM subjects, which can lead to rewarding and successful careers.

The Challenge for students from secondary schools, colleges and/or higher education is to design, build and launch a model rocket with two raw egg passengers, that can reach 775 feet in a specific target flight duration of 41-43 seconds.

Strong support is given to UKAYRoC 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.”

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ADS aerospace Defence Rocket security Space STEM Tim Peake