NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS FROM NORTHERN IRELAND INVITED TO COMPETE IN
NATIONAL ROCKETRY COMPETITON
The call is out for young rocket scientists to step forward and bring an international award to
Northern Ireland with the launch of the UK’s largest youth model rocket competition. Students aged
11 – 18 are being invited to enter the UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC) with the
national champions wining an all-expenses paid trip to Paris.
Teams compete regionally to qualify for the national finals with the winners representing the UK in a
fly off against teams from the USA, Japan and France at the Paris International Airshow in June 2017.
Could a team from Northern Ireland finally knock long-reigning Team USA from the top spot?
UKAYRoC has strong support 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 team from Northern Ireland to
triumph over teams from the USA, Japan and France in the international finals.”
The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge involves the design, build and launch of a model rocket
with the aim of ensuring the ‘passenger’ - one raw egg - remain intact throughout the launch and
landing. The rocket must reach 775 feet with a specific target flight duration of 41-43 seconds. Rules
governing the competition are altered every year to ensure designs can’t be repeated.
Companies such as Bombardier are major employers in Northern Ireland, supported by supply chains
throughout the region. UKAYRoC is a great introduction to the skills used by many of these
organisations which provide high-value and well paid careers locally.
ENDS
Katie Andrews, PR and Media Officer ● Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 4531
[email protected] ● Out of hours: +44 (0) 7917 600 126
Notes to editors
Photos and video available of Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt, winning 2016 regional finals.
Today
08 February 2017
April-May 2017
Week commencing
22 May 2017
22 – 23 June 2017
Complete and return your application form to
[email protected]
Deadline for entries
Regional events at sites across the UK
National Final
International Final at Paris International Airshow 2017
The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC) is a free national competition to enthuse
more young people about the subjects needed in aerospace, defence, security and space industries science, technology, engineering and maths. Organised annually by ADS, UK’s largest youth model
rocket competition is now in its 11th year.
The Challenge is aimed at students aged 11 – 18 from secondary schools, colleges and/or higher
education to design, build and launch a model rocket with two raw eggs. The rocket must reach 775
feet with a specific target flight duration of 41-43 seconds.
Designed to encourage teamwork, creativity and innovation, UKAYRoC enables young people to gain
practical insight into how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects are used by
the aerospace, defence and space industries. The competition demonstrates the value of studying
STEM subjects which can lead to rewarding and successful careers.
http://www.ukayroc.org.uk/
Why enter?
 Cash prizes, certificates and awards for winning teams, and their associated youth group/school
 Supported by the aviation and rocketry industry – British Astronaut Tim Peake, TV presenter
Dallas Campbell, American Astronaut Al Worden and industry representatives from Airbus Group
Ltd, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and UTC all attended rocketry events last year.
 The UK team (and adults) will receive a paid-for trip to Paris International Airshow to compete.
ADS will cover accommodation, lunches in VIP chalets, an exclusive dinner and entertainment,
exclusive trade access to the Airshow on a non-public day.
ADS Group is the UK trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space
sectors. ADS is focused on representing the ambitions and concerns of these valuable wealth
producing industries in the UK and overseas to key stakeholders, government, and the media.
ENDS ALL
Katie Andrews, PR and Media Officer ● Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 4531
[email protected] ● Out of hours: +44 (0) 7917 600 126