The American Rocketry Challenge
The American Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest rocket contest with nearly 5,000 students nationwide competing each year. The contest gives middle and high school students the opportunity to design, build and launch model rockets and hands-on experience solving engineering problems.

2021 Updated Prizes and Awards

2021 Competition Changes and Updates
The safety of the American Rocketry Challenge community is our top priority. To protect our teams, teachers, mentors, and their families during the COVID-19 crisis, while still building the next generation of STEM leaders, we are making three key changes to the 2021 National Finals:
- TIMING: The National Finals will now take place in mid-late June 2021. This extra time will provide teams with more opportunities to build and launch their rockets. This also means that the revised deadline for qualification flights is now May 17, 2021.
- LOCATION: The 2021 National Finals will occur at ten or more regional launch sites in order to limit the number of people that gather at any one site and to minimize team travel requirements. Regional launch sites will be selected based on the location of this year’s finalists.
- PRIZES: We are reviewing our prize structure for the 2021 contest, given the cancellation of the Paris Air Show. Standby for another update unveiling new categories and cash prizes in the coming weeks.

Review the 2021 Competition Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the 2021 National Finals and virtual competition? We have answers. Review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the updates to the 2021 competition.

April 2021 Ask an Engineer Webinar with Elbit Systems of America
April 22 at 8 PM EST
Our Ask an Engineer webinar series is your chance to ask some of the most fascinating people in the aerospace industry how your work in the American Rocketry Challenge will come in handy while building rockets that will carry the next astronauts to the Moon, Mars, and beyond!
The World's Largest Student Rocket Contest
Registration for the 2021 American Rocketry Challenge is now closed. Learn how your team can compete in this exciting STEM competition next year!
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