PARENTS HUB
Dear Parents,
It all started for us with my son, Ted, wanting £200 sponsorship to build a rocket and make rocket fuel at the age of 8. Aside from telling him to go and play, I didn’t know where to go or how to direct him when safety was at the forefront of my mind.
We’ve stumbled along this rocketry journey ourselves and had such amazing experiences along the way. He’s now put together a pathway so young people have a clear ‘Trajectory’ they can follow, inspiring the next generation of aerospace engineers, astronauts and astrophysicists. The aim of this parents hub is to give you the links you need to discover your local rocketry clubs, vendors for rocket kits and parts, information about safety and insurance, and details about progress through badges and competitions.
I thought watching Ted, at age 14, win Gold and Silver medals for Team GB at the World Space Modelling Championships in Texas was my proudest moment, until I watched him deliver workshops for young people, to share his passion and support them on their rocketry journey.
I hope you enjoy your rocketry journey with your child as much as I have with Ted.
Buckle up! You’re in for an exhilarating ride!
Lara
Ted's Mum
Set your child on the right 'Trajectory'
You can help your child on their rocketry journey by setting them on the right ‘Trajectory’. They can start by drawing and junk-modelling rocket builds and progress to model rocket kits. As their skills grow, they can earn the prestigious Bronze, Silver, and Gold Youth Rocketeer badges by designing, building and launching rockets on higher power motors, and with different recovery systems, while competing and mentoring others.
The Trajectory helps keep your child’s skills growing right through every stage.
Where should your child start?
Where to start on the ‘Trajectory’ is flexible. Even older teens can choose to start at the beginning if they have no prior experience of rocketry. Below are some suggested starting points. Find a starting point for your child and give it a go!
Mini Rocketeers
This is an ideal starting point for younger children. It can include drawing and painting rockets, junk modelling, Lego building, magnetic tiles, stomp rockets, water rockets, or simple rocket kits.
Rocket Boosters
Start here to take your child’s interest in rockets further. It can include flying rockets on different power motors and recovery systems, as well as the use of electronics such as an onboard camera or altimeter.
Youth Rocketeers
Start here if your child has a keen interest in rocketry or engineering and is motivated to get stuck in straight away. Includes designing, building, and launching your rockets on higher power, as well as competing and mentoring.
Find your nearest club
A great place to launch rockets on a motor is one of the rocket clubs that hold monthly launches and annual events. They have Range Safety Officers (RSO) on site to help ensure a safe launch, vendors to buy rocket kits and parts, and it’s a great opportunity to watch some really high-powered rocket launches!
Where to buy rocket kits and parts
There are a few specialist rocket vendors in the UK shown here. If your child is very young, you might want to start with a Stomp Rocket from a local toy shop, or if they are a little older and want to build their first kit you can buy this from Amazon or one of the vendors.
For more complex rocket kits, scratch builds, electronics and motors you will find a wealth of experience and most things you’ll need from these vendors.
Wizard Rockets
Stuart and Naomi
Wizard Rockets are usually at the monthly rocket club events. Stuart and Naomi have a wealth of experience and are extremely helpful.
Rockets & Things
Malcolm and Mike
Rockets & Things are usually at the monthly rocket club events. Malcolm and Mike have a wealth of experience and are extremely helpful.
Model Rockets
Neil
Find model rocket kits, motors, and parts for scratch builds including electronics and payload at Model Rockets online shop at modelrockets.co.uk.
Estes (USA)
Ships from the USA
Our Partner, Estes, is the leading producer of model rocket kits and model rocketry education. Ideal for additional kits and parts not in stock with other UK vendors.
Safety & Safeguarding
View the UKRA website for information on Rocketry Safety and Safeguarding.
The United Kingdom Rocketry Association can provide safety and safeguarding guidance for rocketry.
Insurance
The BMFA provide insurance for rocketry
The British Model Flying Association provides insurance for rocketry. You will need insurance to fly at events and competitions. Sometimes insurance is provided with the entry fee / membership at clubs and events.