American Rocketry Challenge

Competition · National Association of Rocketry & Aerospace Industries Association

Over a yearlong season, teams of students in grades 6-12 design, build, test, and launch model rockets to meet strict altitude, flight-duration, and payload requirements (2026 finalists had to carry a raw egg safely to 750 feet). The top 100 qualifying teams compete at the National Finals for $100,000 in awards and the title of National Champion, and the winner represents the United States at the International Rocketry Challenge. The program has engaged more than 110,000 students; the 2026 season fielded 1,107 teams.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsAerospace Engineering · Engineering

Logistics

Cost to youTeam registration fee (paid by the team or school); Northrop Grumman Foundation grants for first-time Title I teams

Financial aidAvailable

StipendNot listed

FormatVaries

WhereBuild and launch locally; National Finals near Washington, D.C.

Awards$100,000 in awards at the National Finals; the national champion represents the U.S. at the International Rocketry Challenge

Applying

OpensRegistration is open for the 2027 competition

DueTeam registration closes December 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

You submitAn adult team advisor registers a team of 3-10 students online by the December deadline, then the team builds and flies qualification launches in the spring.

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