International Rocketry Challenge
The International Rocketry Challenge is the final competition between the best and biggest student rocketry competitions across the globe. Each year, alternating between London in even years or Paris in odd years, the best young rocketeers meet and compete to determine the world champion. In 2026, the international finals will take place at the Farnborough Air Show in July.
History of IRC
Starting with exhibitions in 2009 and formalized in 2015 between France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the IRC has grown to include students from Japan, and new countries apply to join each year. The top team from the 2025 U.S. National Finals went on to represent the United States in the International Rocketry Challenge, hosted at the 2025 Paris Air Show in Paris, France. Learn more about the International Rocketry Challenge and the past winners.