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The State Winners will get the opportunity to compete for the national winner’s title under an “October Sky.” The state winners get to launch their rockets from
Homer Hickam Field
in a competition held at
Space Camp
and celebrate at the
US Space & Rocket Center
in Huntsville, Alabama.
National Winners receive a trophy and framed
Space Shuttle Challenger
- commemorative coin signed by
Grace Corrigan, Christa McAuliffe’s
mother. Competition co-directors,
Jack
and
Kathy Colpas
boast that, “National winners receive memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come.”
*Travel & Meals Not included
2012 winners received their coins from Astronaut, Jon McBride and then rode the Shuttle Launch Experience with him. Past winners have celebrated with
Christa McAuliffe's
mother,
Grace Corrigan
, Astronauts
Bill Readdy, Jerry Ross, Mark Lee, Marcos Pontes, John Blaha
and
Tom Jones
as well as
Homer Hickam
and the “
Rocket Boys
.”
College and University students across the country are challenging each other in a rocket competition. The ‘Spot Landing’ event follows
National Association of Rocketry
guidelines. Competitors in the
Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition / Youth Challenge
must build their rockets according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Collegiate Challengers
however are called upon to redesign their basic rocket kits (eg. Estes – Alpha / Quest – Astra).
Fins, body tube, total weight, accurate wind measurement and parachute design are all variables in this equation. Use of computer programs (like
NASA’s
Rocket Simulator III
) will aid students in making changes that will land their rocket as close as possible to the on-field target.
The rocket kits that students will be redesigning are small and safe (according to the
FAA
“below regulation”)
– no permit or licensing is required. Sports fields are perfect for launch.
Author Homer Hickam & Astronaut Tom Jones greet 2008 National Winners
Sports Fields are perfect for launch
Design & Construct
Grant Info
Youth
Challenge
Launch
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