‘Team Traffic Cone’ met the 2022 mission requirements, which required each team to design, build and launch a model rocket carrying two raw eggs, which would return safely to ground within 44 seconds.
Teams also had to make a presentation to judges about the design and build of their rockets, reflecting on challenges and findings from the test phases.
Kevin Craven, chief executive of ADS, which organised the UK ROC, said: “A huge congratulations to Team Traffic Cone, particularly for winning as a team of three, compared to the average team size of six.
“Throughout the competition the team has excelled and have beaten teams from their region to reach the National Finals using their own ingenious rocket design while facing and solving many challenges along the way.”
He added: “UK ROC, supported by industry and sponsored by Lockheed Martin and Reaction Engines, grows year upon year and plays a critical role in encouraging students to consider careers in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, which offer high-skilled, -value and -wage jobs in every region of the UK.”
ADS is the UK trade organisation representing the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors.
Now bound for the international finals of the youth rocketry challenge, due to take place during the Farnborough International Airshow on July 22, Team Traffic Cone are not counting their eggs before despatch – or landing.
Nick Waite, Tonbridge School physics teacher, said: “The bus ride home after winning the national final was filled with excited chatter about how they might make yet more improvements to their rocket for the international final.
“They can’t wait to pit their skills against teams from USA, France, and Japan.”
The standard – and altitude – of the international competition will be higher, with competitors required to reach at least 835 feet within 44 seconds, as measured by an onboard altimeter.
