Rocket Launch

Teams design, build and launch their own water-powered rockets. Alongside the engineering challenge, participants create a fictional space corporation and develop branding for their flight suits and completed projectile.

Teams receive the tools and construction materials required for the mission. Their challenge is to turn those supplies into a rocket that looks convincing, launches successfully and follows an accurate flight path.

The rockets use water as their fuel. Once construction and branding are complete, teams move to the launch site, fuel their designs and begin testing how they perform.

Yes. The rockets are reusable, allowing teams to complete several launches and refine their designs. Participants can learn from an unstable or disappointing attempt rather than having the entire competition decided by one flight.

No. Performance and trajectory matter, but teams are also judged on their design and branding. The strongest result balances creative product development with a rocket that performs consistently at the launch pad.

No specialist knowledge is required. Teams learn through planning, building and testing, with practical thinkers, designers, brand creators and presenters all contributing to the final result.

The construction can be organised at a suitable venue before teams move outside to the launch area. The location needs appropriate outdoor space for the rocket tests and final competition.

The event normally takes approximately two to three hours. This includes the mission briefing, construction, branding, test launches and final performance assessment.

Rocket Launch is suitable for approximately 10 to 150 participants. Teams work on separate rockets before gathering at the launch site to watch each design take flight.

The activity resembles a playful product-development project. Teams need to balance appearance, technical performance, testing and brand identity while improving their design in response to real results.