Rockville Team Places 2nd in National Finals in World’s Largest Student Rocketry Challenge
Teams from across the country competed in The American Rocketry Challenge for the chance at $100,000 in cash prizes and scholarships
Explorer Post 1010 from Rockville, MD, finished 2nd out of 615 teams in the 2021 American Rocketry Challenge, the world’s largest student rocketry contest. The team competed against 99 other teams at the National Finals, which took place at 10 regional launch sites earlier this month. Their success follows months of preparation designing, building, and testing a rocket capable of meeting rigorous altitude and flight duration parameters set by the contest’s sponsors – the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and National Association of Rocketry. The team is being advised by Robert Ekman.
The virtual awards ceremony is available by clicking here.
After the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 competition, the top 100 teams from 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands competed for $100,000 in prizes at the 2021 National Finals. The prize pool will be split among the top five teams, with Explorer Post 1010taking home $17,000 in total prizes: $15,000 for the team, $1,000 for the school, and $1,000 for Best in Launch Siteat The Plains, Virginia, regional launch site. Explorer Post 1010 will also receive an invitation to participate in NASA’s Student Launch initiative to continue their exploration of rocketry with high-powered rockets and challenging mission parameters.
“The unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic were no match for our intrepid rocketeers,” said AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning. “Their hard work and ingenuity were on full display at the National Finals, proving their ability to rise to any occasion. We are proud to foster a passion for aerospace in these bright young students as they grow into the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Structured to emulate the aerospace industry’s design, fabrication, and testing process, The American Rocketry Challenge requires teams of 3-10 middle school or high school students to build and fly a model rocket that meets challenging design requirements and precise targets for altitude and flight duration. This year’s challenge required teams to safely carry a payload of one raw egg to three different altitude and time goals. Qualification flights for the National Finals required teams to launch to 800 feet and land within 40-43 seconds. National Finalists then had to tweak their rockets to fly 775 feet within 39 to 42 seconds, and then to 825 feet within 41 to 44 seconds. For each flight, the rocket must return to the ground safely and with the egg intact.
FAST FACTS ON THE ROCKETRY CHALLENGE:
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
