National Finals at Great Meadow
Welcome to DC! National Finals will take place on May 17th, 2025 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. Student teams who have designed, built, and launched their rockets into the Top 100, will compete for the title of National Champion. The winning team will represent the U.S. at the International Rocketry Challenge in Paris, France. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of rocket launches, interactive exhibits, food, and more. You’ll experience more than 150 model rocket launches as the country’s top middle and high school teams compete at the world’s largest student rocketry competition. This event has no cost to attend, and all ages are welcome!
Doors open: 7:30am ET, general public enter through gate 5
Where: 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, Virginia 20198
Attire: Casual
2025 National Finals Schedule
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM | Opening Ceremonies | National Anthem |
| 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM | First Round Team Launches |
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Exhibit Area Open |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Team Rocket-Building Competition |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Satellite Building Activity |
| 12:45 PM | High-Powered Rocket Demonstration |
| 1:15 PM | Announcement of Top 42 Teams for the Final Fly-off |
| 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Top 42 Teams Second Round of Launches |
| 4:00 PM | Exhibit Area Closes |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | High-Powered Rocket Demonstration |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Award Ceremony (Dining Tent) |