The challenges, taking place between 16-30 June, will give
participants the chance to design their own space rocket,
make a rocket at home and learn more about the UK’s space
sector.
There will be three challenges that are open to all ages
and include: a Space Rocket design competition, Launch and
Land challenge – as part of NPL’s regular Measurement at
Home series, and a space-themed quiz.
Entries are welcome from individuals, teams, families,
schools - anyone who can stretch their imagination to
infinity and beyond. Experts at NPL and UK Space Agency
will judge all entries and prizes, including a 3D-printed
model of the winning rocket design and a tour of British
Aerospace Manufacturer, Reaction Engines’ facility in
Oxfordshire.
Professor Richard Crowther, Chief Engineer, UK Space Agency
said:
The UK has played a pioneering role in space science for
over 50 years and today our ambition is to be Europe’s
leading small satellite launch destination. We look
forward to seeing the creativity and imagination of these
young engineers. Perhaps one day they could be designing
the rockets we see launching from UK spaceports,
propelling us into a new era of space exploration.
As the UK’s National Measurement Institute, NPL recognises
the importance of promoting STEM activities and inspiring
the next generation. The UK Space Agency supports
STEM-based activity addressing the skills needs of the
space sector and to raise awareness of the UK’s space
programme and STEM subjects in general.
Andrew Hanson MBE, Outreach Manager, NPL said:
We’ve been running NPL Water Rockets for over 20 years,
and in 2020 are super-excited to be teaming up with UKSA
with several novel twists to engage a wide audience
taking creative engineering into space. NPL’s outreach
activity, whilst offering fun and engaging ways of
interacting with STEM, is also key to raising the
importance of STEM education and the relevance of
measurement science to our everyday lives.
The restrictions faced by everyone in the last few months
means NPL is unable to run the 21st NPL Water Rocket
Challenge in the usual format, but by turning it into a
virtual rocket-based event, NPL hopes participants can
still have fun, learn about science and the UK’s space
sector and compete to win great prizes.
To find out more visit NPL’s Space Rocket
Challenges for 2020.
