The DC Traveler

The annual Team America Rocketry Challenge model rocket competition returns to suburban Great Meadow.

Watch as one hundred teams of students (grades 7-12) from across the U.S. follow in the footsteps of the father rockety, Robert Goddard, as they compete for a share of $60,000 in prize money and honor for their school.

Model rockets are re-usable “flight vehicles” that weigh les than 3.3 pounds and are made of lightweight materials (paper, plastic and balsawood). The rockets are powered by commercially made rocket engines that are launched electrically and use a “recovery system” such as a parachute to ensure a safe return to earth.

The objective of this year’s rocket competition is to design and build an original model rocket that will:

• fly to exactly 850 feet
• stay aloft for exactly 45 seconds
• carry a egg that must return to the earth unbroken.

Team America Rocketry Challenge
Great Meadow
The Plains, VA – about 45 miles west of DC via I-66.

Date and Time – May 19th.  Opening ceremony starts at 8:45 a.m. with a U.S. Air Force flyover. Rocket launching starts at 9:00 a.m., with launches about every 3 minutes.  The event should end around 3:00 p.m.  Concession stands will be open.

Tickets – Admission is free. 

Parking – Free

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