ADS, the UK trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors is encouraging 11-18-year-olds from any school, college, or educational facility to register for the 2023 competition.
UKROC is a national competition for young people aged 11-18 from any secondary school, college, educational facility, or youth group to design, build and launch a model rocket. Registrations for the UK’s largest youth rocketry competition officially close on the 24 February 2023.
In early April 2023, the teams will compete against other teams in their region for a place in the national finals held in May 2023 to be crowned National Champions.
Related: Northern Ireland Aerospace Companies recognised for Business Excellence
The National Champions will win an all-expenses paid trip to Paris, to represent the UK in a fly-off against international teams from the USA, Japan, and France at the Paris Airshow in June 2023.
UKROC involves the design, build, and launch of a model rocket, with the payload of one raw egg representing the astronaut. To win, the rocket must get closest to at least 850 feet in altitude within a goal timeframe of 42-45 seconds and the ‘astronaut’ must remain intact throughout the launch and landing. Rules governing the competition are altered each year to encourage innovative thinking amongst participants and ensures previous designs can’t be repeated. Participants of the competition also benefit from support from ADS Members, expert rocketeers, and the events team.
Commenting on the challenge, Director ADS Northern Ireland, Leslie Orr said:
“Northern Ireland has a strong and proud reputation for excellence, the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors contribute over £1.6Bn to the local economy.
Related: Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to inspire pupils with STEM tours
"For the region to continue to grow and prosper, it is essential the future generation is inspired about the exciting opportunities available in our sectors, UK ROC is a fantastic way to do this. UKROC is growing year on year, and for the 2023 competition, I want to see more teams from Northern Ireland compete and put their skills to the test. It would be fantastic if the 2023 National Champions were from the region.”
Source: Written from press release
