K-State Research and Extension 21 Central District

4-H Aerospace/Rocketry

The Kansas 4-H Aerospace/Rocketry program is designed to allow members to explore aerospace through rockets of various sizes. Kansas 4-H and the Edwards County Fair have adopted the National Association of Rocketry's rules, regulations and safety guidelines.

Exhibiting Rockets at the Edwards County Fair

Rules for All Aerospace/Rocketry Categories

  1. All revisions of all forms previously released for the division either undated or dated prior to the current year are VOID for use and new forms must be obtained and used that are dated by the State 4-H Office for the current year. Relevant documents may be obtained from the 21 Central Extension Office or online here .
  2. NAR refers to the National Association of Rocketry and its governing board. All NAR documents, referenced herein, can be found here .
  3. Tripoli refers to the Tripoli Rocketry Association and governing board.
  4. If a safety violation is noted by the judges, superintendent, or other Extension staff, the exhibitor's rocket, at the judges' discretion, will receive a participation ribbon.
  5. Rockets are NOT to be displayed with use or unused rocket engines either in the rocket or as part of the stand, if rocket engines are included in the exhibit the judge may disqualify the exhibit.
  6. Rockets, except for those in the Junior (JR) Division, are not to be "beginner kits" or use prefabricated (molded plastic) fin assemblies, or pre-finished rockets requiring no painting. These are not acceptable outside the JR Division and will be disqualified.
  7. For the purpose of Kansas 4-H Aerospace/Rocketry, NO rockets may be launched using engines totaling more than an 'I' impulse engine or 640 Newton-seconds of total thrust.

For a list of all rules and definitions for the Aerospace/Rocketry Division, click here.

What makes up a Rocketry Exhibit at the Fair?

To exhibit a rocket at the Edwards County Fair, include the following:

  • Rocket (flown unless burn ban is in effect)
  • Rocketry Exhibit Information Envelope
  • Support Rods (must not exceed past the tip of the highest nosecone of the model)
    • Support rods must remain in the upright position, 90 degrees to the display base, do not angle. Support rods may be angled if the rocket itself still remains in the upright position (example is if engine tubes are slanted and the best form of support for the rocket is to use an angled support base). If the rocket is not perpendicular to the display base, the judge will deduct one ribbon placing. NO MODEL MAY BE SUBMITTED ON A LAUNCH PAD.

Burn Ban Clause

If a "burn ban" is in effect for Edwards County, Kansas, exhibitors are NOT required to launch their rocket(s). All requirements for the launching of rockets for the Edwards County Fair and the documenting of the launching are suspended for the duration of the ban. Rockets are not to be launched if conditions are too dangerous to safely launch the rocket. However, rockets should be flown if otherwise possible. Just flying the last stage (the part with the nosecone) of a multi-stage rocket is acceptable.

Edwards County Fair Forms

4-H Aerospace/Rocketry Exhibits must include an a 10" x 13" envelope with the following information and materials included:

Rocketry Exhibit Information Form

All revisions of all forms previously released for the division either undated or dated prior to the current year, are void for use and new forms must be obtained. This form must be affixed to the front of an 10" x 13" envelope and be signed by the 4-H'er.

Construction Plans or Instructions

Plans or a photocopy must be placed inside the envelope. Include the original design rockets. If a rocket kit has been modified structurally (provide all necessary details to construct an original design rocket), notations need to be given indicating the changes made, either by notations on the the Rocket Exhibit Information Form or by placing notes in the plans. Such modifications require the rocket to be swing tested and documented to show a stable flight. A different pain scheme, changes/reduction in decals, and other non-structural changes are not considered modifications and do not need to be documented.

Pictures

Up to 5 pages of pictures on one side of 8½" x 11" paper. Pictures are to be attached to sheets of paper. Photographs of rocket's construction and at the launch site are required. Photographs showing the rocket at the moment of ignition are preferred, but not required in the event a county burn ban. Try to include one photo showing rocket's construction with exhibitor included. Do NOT include photos of members catching their rockets as they return to earth. This is an unsafe practice, and is not recommended or condoned practice.

High-Power Information Form

In addition to the information packet for all rockets, a High-Power Information Form is to be completed by those exhibiting Mid- and High-Powered Rockets. Form may be placed inside of the information packet.

The envelope should NOT be attached to the rocket stand or the rocket.

Aerospace/Rocketry Divisions at the Edwards County Fair

Junior Rocketry Division at the Edwards County Fair

  • The Junior Rocketry Division is for 4-H'ers 7 to 8 years old only.
  • The three classes include:
    • Rocket (from a kit) without pre-assembled fin units, include plans
    • Rocket (from "Beginners Kit") rockets may have pre-assembled fin units, include plans (This class is for first and second year 4-H members to explore the rocketry project.)
    • Scale Model Rocket (from kit) include plan
  • Rockets entered in the JR Division are not accepted at the Kansas State Fair, no matter the ribbon placing, due to age restrictions.

Division A (Ages 9-13) at the Edwards County Fair

  • This division is for youth ages 9-13 to gain experience in the Rocketry Project.
  • This division is eligible for the Kansas State Fair.
  • The two classes include:
    • Rocket (from a kit) include plans
    • Scale Model Rocket (from kit) include plans

Division B (Ages 11-13) at the Edwards County Fair

  • This division is for 4-H'ers aged 11-13 years only. Youth 9 and 10 years old may NOT enter this class.
  • The two classes include:
    • Rocket Designed by Exhibitor (not a mere modification of existing kit) include original plans
    • Scale Model Rocket Designed by Exhibitor (not a mere modification of existing kit) include original plans and stability test\

Division C (Ages 14 years and older) at the Edwards County Fair

  • The four classes include:
    • Rocket (from a kit) include plans
    • Rocket Designed by Exhibitor (not a mere modification of existing kit) include original plan
    • Scale Model Rocket (from kit) include plan
    • Scale Model Rocket Designed by Exhibitor (not a mere modification of existing kit) include original plan and stability testing

Division D at the Edwards County Fair

  • This class is designed to encourage teamwork among individuals and clubs to work on a rocket from the initial design to the finished product.
    • Rocket Designed by 2 or More Exhibitors (not a mere modification of existing kit) include original plan

Division E Ages 14 years and older) at the Edwards County Fair

  • Rockets that use more than one 'D' engine or equivalent are considered mid- or high-power rockets in 4-H.
  • For the purpose of Kansas 4-H, a mid-powered rocket is defined as a rocket that uses an 'E', 'F', 'G' or equivalent engine for launch.
    • Rockets also qualify for mid-power if they meet any of the following criteria: a) are 2 inches or greater in diameter (not including fins) and taller than 3 feet (36 inches including fins) and do not use an engine(s) exceeding 160.01 Newton-seconds of total impulse (an 'H' engine equivalent or above); b) the total impulse of all engines used in the rocket is greater than 20.01 Newton-seconds and less than 160.01 Newton-seconds.
  • For the purpose of Kansas 4-H, a high powered rocket is defined as a rocket that meets any of the following criteria:
    • Weighs more than 3.3125 pounds (53 ounces or 1500 grams) at the time of launch;
    • Uses a 'H' engine or larger;
    • The total impulse of all engines used in the rocket is greater than 160.01 Newton-seconds of thrust;
    • Includes any airframes parts of ductile-metal, though the use of ductile metal is strongly discouraged;
    • Models powered by rocket motors not classified as model rocket motors per NFPA 1122, eg.:
      • Average thrust in excess of 80.01 Newtons;
      • Contains in excess of 125 grams of propellant and are limited to only 'H' or 'I' motors;
      • Uses a hybrid motor or motor designed to emit sparks.
  • Mid- and High-Power Rocket exhibitors must be at least 14 years old by January 1st of the current year.
  • Exhibitors in mid- and high-power rocket divisions must hold a membership in either NAR or Tripoli organizations.
  • All rockets in this division must be launched under adult supervision and by the 4-H member who constructed the rocket.
    • For rockets launched using an engine(s) that have 160.01 ('H' engine or the equivalent amount of smaller engines) Newtons-second or larger, adult supervision must be provided by an individual having at least a Level 1 High Power Certification. The 4-H member should also hold or be attempting to attain their Level 1 High Power Certification if launching on this large of an engine.
  • This class is for a Mid- High-Power Rocket (from a kit or original design) include plans