Engineering.
With an eggstronaut.
A hands-on challenge that gave young New Zealanders a reason to think like rocket scientists.
A small launch.
A big learning curve.
Design, build and fly a model rocket to a target altitude—then return its fragile passenger safely to Earth.
KiwiSpace and the New Zealand Rocketry Association brought the New Zealand Rocketry Challenge to students as an exercise in practical science, engineering and teamwork. Testing, measuring and trying again were part of the adventure.
At the inaugural Auckland final in November 2012, ten teams of Year 7 and 8 students competed at Ambury Regional Park. A digital altimeter measured each flight, while an unbroken egg made a successful recovery unmistakable.
Diocesan School for Girls won with a best flight just three metres from the 150-metre target. The programme continued into later editions, with the surviving contest website documenting a 2016 bootcamp and competition schedule.
Make room
for lift-off.
A rocket is a compelling way to bring mathematics and physics out of a textbook. A team has to turn a prediction into a flight—and learn from what actually happens.
Co-organised by KiwiSpace and the New Zealand Rocketry Association. Historical programme; the old schedules are not current registration dates.
Visit the original contest site
