YOUNGSTERS are set to design, build and launch a model rocket in a competition against teams from around the world.

Participants interested in engineering and aerospace can take part in the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge, with beginning stages being held at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Purleigh.

The UK trade organisation ADS represents the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

The organisation has encouraged all 11- to 18-year-olds to take part in its competition.

Echo: Future engineers: participants at a previous eventFuture engineers: participants at a previous event (Image: UK ROC)

Participants will be at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome competing against other regional teams for a place in the national finals in May, to be crowned the National Champions.

The South East Regional is on Thursday, April 27, where teams from secondary schools, colleges and youth clubs across the region will be battling to be crowned regional champions.

The National final takes place in Buckminster on Wednesday, May 17. 

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.

To win, the rocket and an astronaut- being one small egg- must get closest to at least 850 feet in altitude within the timeframe of 42 to 45 seconds.

Echo: Hartrockets launch: a previous teams rocketHartrockets launch: a previous teams rocket (Image: Peter Barrett)

The egg astronaut must remain intact throughout the launch and landing.

Participants will benefit from support from ADS members, expert rocketeers and the events team.

ADS chief executive, Kevin Craven said: “In 2022, the International Rocketry Challenge returned during Farnborough International Airshow, and it was a pleasure to meet the UK National Champions and watch them compete against the US, France, and Japan.

“With the support of our sectors, UK ROC is growing each year as a very important STEM outreach activity.

“For the 2023 competition, I want to see more teams compete, more teams put their skills to the test, and more 11-18-year-olds grow their and fascination in aerospace, defence, security and space and become part of the workforce of the future. We need them.”

For more information, go to www.ukroc.com/.