UKROC 2026 – Meet the Teams – Down to Earth

In the lead up to the UKROC 2026 National Final, we’re spotlighting the teams behind the rockets! Meet Team Down to Earth…

Intro

  • Team name – Down to Earth
  • School/club – 230th Sheffield Air Scouts
  • Region/location – North England / Sheffield 
  • Fun fact – We’re all in Year 8 and have been friends since Year 1! Even though we now go to different secondary schools, we still have the opportunity to see each other every Monday at Air Scouts.

Eva, Ellie, Lydia 

How did you find out about UKROC?

Our Scout leader found out about the competition from her children’s school and then contacted the University of Sheffield to see if they could sponsor our Air Scouts and Air Explorers to take part. Our Scout leader asked all the Scouts who wanted to participate and we put our names down.

What have you enjoyed most about the UKROC project?

We have enjoyed working together as a team and building and designing our rockets. We enjoyed doing something that we wouldn’t usually do, using OpenRocket and designing a rocket and learning how they work. We also enjoyed launching our rocket on launch day and going up to the launch pad to actually launch it on the day.

Would you encourage other teams to enter the competition?

Definitely! It is really good fun and is very exciting. It’s a great opportunity because it allows you to experience something new and learn about things you wouldn’t normally learn about in school lessons or normal Scout nights.

What does the teacher/club leader think about UKROC?

UKROC perfectly complements our Air Scouts aviation, aeronautics and STEM focus. The competition challenges young people to develop vital skills in teamwork, design, presentation, and software like OpenRocket. It combines scientific concepts with hands-on building and creative decoration, every single team member can contribute to a successful outcome. Regardless of where they come in the competition, designing and building a rocket that successfully launches is a huge achievement and an incredibly exciting experience for them.

Want to share your experience? Email us ukroc@adsgroup.org.uk.

UKROC 2026 – Meet the Teams – Normal Rocket

In the lead up to the UKROC 2026 National Final, we’re spotlighting the teams behind the rockets! Meet Team Normal Rocket…

Intro

  • Team name – Normal Rocket
  • School/club – Bellahouston Academy
  • Region/location – Scotland
  • Fun fact – We broke a whole carton of eggs during our testing that we borrowed from the Home Economics department. We had to buy them a new box…!

How did you find out about UKROC?

Our teacher, Mr Wang, was a part of the GU Rocketry Society for three years while at Glasgow University. When he started teaching he founded the Rocketry Club at Bellahouston and discovered UKROC. Bellahouston now has the most UKROC teams in Scotland!

What have you enjoyed most about the UKROC project?

  • Building something real and practical, it was cool to design something on the computers and make it in real life.
  • Getting real engineering experience, from running the aerodynamic simulations on OpenRocket, to laser cutting and 3D-printing our parts, the whole process was very engaging and practical.
  • Being competitive in a new type of way – not just for a football team or a video game, but to see who could design and build the best rocket!

Would you encourage other teams to enter the competition?

Definitely, it has been the most rewarding and fun part of the year for us. From the excitement of the rockets flying off the launch rail, to the tense moments where we had to wait to see if our parachutes deployed, the day of the regional competition was super fun, busy, and totally worth the effort.

What does the teacher/club leader think about UKROC?

It is a valuable, engaging, and intensely rewarding event to participate in. The pupils had the time of their lives seeing their project launch into the sky after the months of work to design and manufacture them.

Why did your school/club want to get involved in UKROC?

Our school wanted to get involved to give the kids a sense of accomplishment and pride with something they designed and manufactured themselves. From being part of the Uni society, I knew just how exciting it could be to build and fly your own rockets as part of a team. With so many of the team members wanting to pursue engineering after they leave school, it was important for me to give the pupils a real taste of what it’s like to engage in a practical project with real life stakes.

Want to share your experience? Email us ukroc@adsgroup.org.uk.

UKROC 2026 – Meet the Teams – FSL U6th Boys

In the lead up to the UKROC 2026 National Final, we’re spotlighting the teams behind the rockets! First up – meet Team FSL U6th Boys…

Intro

  • Team name – FSL U6th Boys
  • School/club – Friends’ School Lisburn
  • Region/location – Northern Ireland
  • Fun fact – One of our favourite parts of the project was getting to carry out test launches at our Physics teacher’s farm, which gave us the chance to experiment and iterate in a real world setting.

How did you find out about UKROC?

We found out about UKROC through other teams at our school who had competed in previous years, as well as through friends who were already involved.

What have you enjoyed most about the UKROC project?

We were drawn to UKROC because it’s a fun but challenging real world application of Maths and Physics. Several of us are interested in continuing rocketry or engineering at university, so the competition felt like an authentic introduction to how these skills are used beyond school.

Why did your school/club want to get involved in UKROC?

Seeing our rockets launch has been the highlight, especially knowing how much work went into the design, simulation, and construction. Using CAD tools and running simulations in OpenRocket and SolidWorks made the project feel very realistic.

What has been the biggest challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?

Balancing schoolwork alongside building the rocket was a real challenge, as was getting components like the parachute and motor systems correct. We overcame this through careful time management, lots of iteration, learning from previous teams, and making good use of test launches.

Would you encourage other teams to enter UKROC?

Yes — UKROC is very different from most school competitions. It’s hands on, genuinely challenging, and a brilliant way to apply physics practically. It does require commitment, but it’s extremely rewarding if you’re willing to put the work in.

What does the teacher / club leader think about UKROC?

He believes UKROC is an excellent opportunity for students to develop practical physics skills and to see how theory connects to real engineering problems.

Want to share your experience? Email us ukroc@adsgroup.org.uk.

Rocketry challenge launches aerospace ambitions among 250 South East schoolchildren

Image credit to Ben Adams Photography

  • 51 teams competed in the South East Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
  • The College of Richard Collyer (Day 1 Winners) and Westcliff High School for Boys (Day 2 Winners) have been crowned the South East regional Champions
  • Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Finals in June

Chelmsford (7 May 2026) – 51 teams from 31 schools and youth groups took part in the South East Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC), competing for a place in the UKROC National Final.

The competition saw 250 students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.

Hosted at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Chelmsford, students from The College of Richard Collyer in Horsham and Westcliff High School for Boys in Westcliff-on-Sea will now advance on to the next stage of the competition, where they will compete against fellow regional winners for the national title.

Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK.

Paul Oxley, Director General of ADS Skills, said:

“Congratulations to everyone who has competed in the regional finals! At ADS, we’re committed to building a strong pipeline of talent to meet the demands of the future. Continued support for initiatives like this is vital to tackling the UK’s growing skills gap and opening up high quality career opportunities for young people across the country. With our most in demand competition to date, I’m excited to see the level of talent heading into the National Final – best of luck to all!”

Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:

“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”

Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:

“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:

“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”

Team ‘Eggceleration’ from The College of Richard Collyer and team ‘Champagne SuperNova’ from Westcliff High School for Boys will now refine their rocket before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.

The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 400 teams of schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.

Find out more about UKROC.

The College of Richard Collyer (Day 1 Winners)

Westcliff High School for Boys (Day 2 Winners)

304 young rocketeers ignite future aerospace careers at Northern rocketry finals

Image credit to Ben Adams Photography

  • 64 teams competed in the largest Northern Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
  • Birkdale School (Day 1 Winners) and 230th Sheffield Air Scouts and Air Explorers (Day 2 Winners) have been crowned the North regional Champions
  • Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Finals in June
York (7 May 2026) – Across two days, 64 teams from 30 schools and youth groups put their engineering skills to the test in the Northern Regional Finals of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC). The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg. Hosted at Elvington Airfield in York, Birkdale School and 230th Sheffield Air Scouts and Air Explorers will now advance on to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title. Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK. Paul Oxley, Director General of ADS Skills, said:
“Congratulations to everyone who has competed in the regional finals! At ADS, we’re committed to building a strong pipeline of talent to meet the demands of the future. Continued support for initiatives like this is vital to tackling the UK’s growing skills gap and opening up high quality career opportunities for young people across the country. With our most in demand competition to date, I’m excited to see the level of talent heading into the National Final – best of luck to all!”
Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:
“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”
Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:
“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”
Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:
“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”
Team ‘Little Red Rocket’ from Birkdale School and team ‘The Minions’ from 230TH Sheffield Air Scouts and Air Explorers will now refine their rockets before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster. The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 1,600 schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions. Find out more about UKROC.
Birkdale School (Day 1 Winners)

230th Sheffield Air Scouts and Air Explorers (Day 2 Winners)

Rocketry challenge inspires future workforce of 200 schoolchildren in the South West

  • 198 students took part in the largest South West Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
  • UTC Portsmouth (Day 1 Winners) and The Henrietta Barnett School (Day 2 Winners) have been crowned the South West regional champions
  • Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Finals in June

Chippenham (7 May 2026) – The South West Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) saw 40 teams from 27 schools and youth groups battle it out for a spot in the UKROC National Final.

The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.

Hosted at Abbeyfield School in Chippenham, students from UTC Portsmouth and The Henrietta Barnett School will now advance on to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title.

Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK.

Ed Raggett, ADS South West Director, said:

“Congratulations to all teams that participated. Initiatives like UKROC give young people the confidence to test ideas, solve problems and work as engineering teams — skills that are invaluable beyond the classroom. With global aviation demand rising and aircraft order backlogs growing, developing future interest in our sectors through STEM activities like UKROC is vital. The South West plays a key role in the UK’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing landscape, and it’s encouraging to see that enthusiasm reflected in local schools.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:

“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”

Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:

“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:

“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”

Team ‘Project Iris’ from UTC Portsmouth and team ‘The Three Rocketeers’ from The Henrietta Barnett School will now refine their rockets before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.

The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 400 teams of schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.

Find out more about UKROC.

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UTC Portsmouth (Day 1 Winners)

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The Henrietta Barnett School (Day 2 Winners)

Over 100 young engineers blast off at the Northern Ireland Youth Rocketry Regional Final

  • 102 students took part in the largest Northern Ireland Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
  • Friends School Lisburn from Lisburn has been crowned the Northern Irish regional champions
  • Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Final in June

Belfast (31 March 2026) – 22 teams from 9 schools and youth groups participated in the Northern Ireland Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC).

The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.

Hosted by RLC Group at Langford Lodge, Friends School Lisburn will now advance to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title.

Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK.

Joseph Reffitt, ADS Northern Ireland Director, said:

“Huge congratulations to team ‘FSL Upper 6th Boys’ from Friends School Lisburn! The aerospace, defence, security and space industries continue to grow in Northern Ireland, and UKROC is vital to supporting this development. By inspiring the next generation, we help build a pipeline of future talent in a fun and practical way. Fingers crossed we see the Northern Ireland winners go all the way to the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:

“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”

Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:

“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:

“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”

Team ‘FSL Upper 6th Boys’ from Friends School Lisburn will now refine their rocket before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.

The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 1,600 schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National Final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.

Register interest for 2027 now.

Rocketry challenge inspires future workforce of 70 Welsh schoolchildren

Image credit to Ben Adams Photography

  • 17 teams competed in the largest Welsh Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
  • Haverfordwest High VC School in Pembrokeshire has been crowned the Welsh regional Champions
  • Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Finals in June

Snowdonia (31 March 2026) – 17 teams from 9 schools and youth groups took part in the Welsh Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) to compete for a spot in the UKROC National Final.

The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.

Hosted by Snowdonia Space Centre, students at Haverfordwest High VC School from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire will now advance to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title.

Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK.

Paul Oxley, Director General of ADS Skills, said:

“Congratulations to everyone who has competed in the regional finals! At ADS, we’re committed to building a strong pipeline of talent to meet the demands of the future. Continued support for initiatives like this is vital to tackling the UK’s growing skills gap and opening up high quality career opportunities for young people across the country. With our most in demand competition to date, I’m excited to see the level of talent heading into the National Final — best of luck to all!”

Jeremy Howitt, Snowdonia Aerospace Centre said:

“As the proud hosts of today’s event, we congratulate all the schools for their remarkable effort. It was fantastic to see the excitement and passion for rocketry and STEM throughout the day. Wales is home to major players in advanced manufacturing, and by giving back, we help secure the sector’s future success. Here at Snowdonia Space Centre, we understand the vital role that aerospace, defence and space sectors play in developing skills and inspiring the next generation.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:

“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”

Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:

“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:

“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”

Team ‘Space Eggs’ from Haverfordwest High VC School will now refine their rocket before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.

The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 1,600 schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National Final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.

Register interest for 2027 now.

16 teams of Scottish schoolchildren take flight in the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge

  • 77 students took part in the largest Scottish Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
  • Bellahouston Academy from Glasgow has been crowned the Scottish regional champions
  • Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Finals in June

Kinross (31 March 2026) – The Scottish Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) saw 16 teams from 10 schools and youth groups battle it out for a spot in the UKROC National Final.

The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.

Hosted at Kinross Radio Model Flying Club, students at Bellahouston Academy from Glasgow will now advance on to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title.

Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies and Saab UK.

Warrick Malcolm, ADS Scotland Director, said:

“Congratulations to all the teams that competed in the Scottish regional! UKROC continues to support young people interested in careers across ADS’ sectors, helping them build confidence and practical engineering skills. Scotland boasts a thriving aerospace, defence, security and space ecosystem — one that truly values the skills and talent it attracts. Best of luck to all the teams progressing to the National Final.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:

“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”

Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:

“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:

“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”

Team ‘Normal Rocket’ from Bellahouston Academy will now refine their rocket before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.

The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 1,600 schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National Final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they will go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.

Register interest for 2027 now.

13 Essential Tips Ahead of Regionals

It’s only one week until the UKROC 2026 Regionals kick off. Launching first in Scotland, we’re excited to bring together more than 400 teams for our most in‑demand competition yet. This year, we’re hosting nine Regional Events — the most we’ve ever delivered — and we can’t wait to welcome teams from across the UK. As teams make their final preparations, now is the perfect time to focus on the small details that can make a big difference on launch day.

13 Steps to Help You Become UKROC Regional Winners

  1. Keep it simple.
    If this is your first year, don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on a straightforward rocket that can reliably hit the required altitude and flight time. Fancy mechanisms can wait.
  2. Avoid hot glue at all costs.
    Rockets get hot. Hot glue melts when rockets get hot. It’s a bad combination — use stronger, heat‑resistant adhesives instead.
  3. Dry‑fit before you commit.
    Test how every component fits before gluing. It’s much easier to adjust something that isn’t already fixed in place.
  4. Check your alignment.
    If your rocket uses more than one motor, make sure they all line up correctly with the direction of flight. Misalignment = unstable flight.
  5. Match your real weight to your simulation.
    After building, weigh your rocket and compare it to the simulated weight in RockSim or OpenRocket. If it’s different, override the weight and re‑run the simulation.
  6. Too low? Review your motor choice.
    If your rocket isn’t reaching altitude, check whether you’re using the right motor. Your simulation should tell you.
  7. Too high? Same rule applies.
    If your rocket is overshooting, you may need a different motor. Again — check your simulation.
  8. Coming down too quickly?
    Your parachute might be too small. Review your descent rate and check your deployment.
  9. Coming down too slowly?
    A parachute that’s too large can drift too far or affect your flight time. Adjust the size if needed.
  10. Understand your altimeter.
    Know how to arm it, read it, and reset it. Always start the day with a new or fully charged battery.
  11. Learn how to fold your parachute properly.
    A well‑packed parachute makes all the difference for a clean deployment.
  12. Keep a logbook.
    Record decisions, changes, test results, and observations. It’s invaluable for improvements — and great engineering practice. While Regionals don’t require this, it’s a key part of preparing for the National and International Finals.
  13. Test fly whenever possible.
    Nothing beats real flight experience. A test launch will tell you more than hours of discussion.

We can’t wait to see all the teams, rockets and launches over the next month. In the meantime, if you have any issues, please contact us at ukroc@adsgroup.org.uk, and keep up to date with all the action on our Instagram and Facebook.